Viewing optic with round counter system

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a viewing optic. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a display system for a viewing optic. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having a display system with multiple active displays for generating images that are projected into a first focal plane of an optical system. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with an active display and a round counter system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application of and claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/794,065 filed Jan. 18,2019, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/794,233 filedJan. 18, 2019, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to a viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem. In one embodiment, the viewing optic has an active displaysystem that generates and projects the image into a first focal plane ofthe optical system. In yet another embodiment, the disclosure relates toa viewing optic with a round counter system.

BACKGROUND

Riflescopes have been used for well over a century and while the qualityand features of these devices have improved tremendously over the years,the core components (and the limitations of those components) used intheir design, manufacture and use are still very much the same today asthey were 100 years ago. Riflescopes create a magnified or unmagnifiedimage of a scene that is distant from the shooter on a focal plane,which is coincident with an aiming feature, or reticle. The reticleconsists of wire or a material deposited in a pattern onto a glasssurface and it is used as an aiming reference, which corresponds to thetrajectory of the rifle to which it's attached. The reticle may alsohave specific features included to aid the shooter in making distancejudgements and in compensating for bullet deviation at differentdistances.

Turrets are also used to adjust the reticle position in relation to thetarget in order to compensate for bullet deviation. This is a verydeveloped and reliable system that can be used in the hands of theexperienced and skilled shooter to make challenging long range shots.With the aid of a laser rangefinder (LRF) and a ballistic computer andcareful attention to detail, an experienced shooter can routinely hittargets at the maximum effective range of their firearm by making thenecessary mechanical adjustments to the firearm and/or executing thecorrect holds on the reticle pattern.

While this system performs well, there is always a desire to improveupon the system. In particular, there is a desire to reduce thecomplexity involved in hitting long range targets. A large amount ofinformation is needed on a shot-by-shot basis in order to effectivelyhit long range targets and the shooter must be able to process thisinformation and make the correct judgments and calculations in realtime. In addition to the riflescope, other tools are needed by theshooter to ensure accurate shot placement. For instance, a bubble levelmounted externally to the riflescope is needed to ensure that the opticis level before executing a shot. This requires the shooter to removehis head from the pupil of the optic to check his or her level.

A laser rangefinder and ballistic computer are also needed to measuretarget range and calculate a bullet trajectory. This once again requiresthe shooter to attend to an external device and then remember the datawhen making the necessary adjustments. If a weapon mounted laserrangefinder is used, then the shooter needs to take special care toensure that the aiming point of the optic is corresponding exactly withthe aiming point of the LRF.

Additionally, and not trivial to the use of riflescopes, is that theyare only useful during daylight hours. Once night begins to descend,thermal and/or night vision devices must be attached to the weapon infront of the riflescope. These devices capture other forms of radiationthat are not visible to the human eye due to their wavelength or lowintensity. These devices then either recreate the image of the scene orintensify it and reimage the scene into the objective of the riflescope.Effective and necessary for low light conditions, these devices are alsoheavy and large.

In the particular case of thermal imaging devices, a thermal scene isimaged via infrared optics onto a special thermal sensor. The image isthen recreated on a micro display and the micro display is, in turn,reimaged into the objective of the riflescope with a visible opticssystem. The two separate optical systems required to accomplish thisresult in a rather large, heavy, and expensive device.

As technology advances, there is a need for some level of systemintegration in order to reduce the heavy processing requirements placedon the shooter. This integration is also required to decrease the “timeto engagement” that is traditionally quite long when multiple deviceshave to be referenced and calculations and adjustments have to be made.And finally, the size and weight of additional devices needed foreffective use of the riflescope in low light conditions can be reducedwith a more integrated solution.

Previous devices have attempted to address some of these issues indifferent ways with varying degrees of success. However, all attemptsprior have implemented their solutions in the Second Focal Plane of theoptic. This is very disadvantageous because the second focal plane in ariflescope is only well correlated to the image of the scene at a singlemagnification setting. The location of the aiming point is only accurateat one location in the turret adjustment as well. Because of thisserious limitation, additional electronics are necessary to track thevariables in the rest of the system and adjust the aiming pointaccordingly. Other systems provide approximate aiming point solutionsthrough the illumination of features at generic, coarsely-spacedintervals instead of having a quasi-infinite range of points to select.Weaker systems are only capable of displaying basic information such asdistance to target or current weather conditions.

When firing semi-automatic and automatic firearms in law enforcement,military actions and in target shooting competition it is desirable toknow when the magazine is about to run out of ammunition. Competitionshooters need to know this information, so they can be prepared torelease the empty magazine and replace it with a full one with minimumloss of shooting time. In police and military operations the need toknow is far more serious. Police officers and soldiers can lose theirlives in the split second it takes to realize a magazine must bereplaced, or an enemy or felon can escape in that time. And studies haveshown that under the stress of a firelight it is nearly impossible forthe user to keep accurate track of the cartridges fired and thoseremaining.

Prior attempts to monitor the ammunition status by indicating the numberexpended or the number of rounds remaining have met with indifferentsuccess, and by and large applied generally only to pistols and notother firearms. The apparatus often was large and cumbersome andrequired modifications to each firearm for retrofitting or requiredredesign for installation with original equipment manufacturers. Suchsystems did not distinguish between an empty condition and a jammedcondition. However, one of the largest drawbacks to prior systems isthat the information on ammunition status is not provided directly inthe field of view of the user/shooter. The user/shooter must take theireyes off the target to receive the information on ammunition status.

Thus, a need still exists for a viewing optic that can projectinformation into the first focal plane of an optical system. It isimportant that a user/shooter can be provided information on theammunition status while maintaining visual on a target of interest. Theapparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein address all of theseshortcomings in an innovative fashion.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a system comprising aviewing optic, and a round counter system. In one embodiment, thedisclosure relates to a system comprising a viewing optic, a roundcounter system and a firearm. In one embodiment, the disclosure relatesto a round counter system configured to communicate with a viewing optichaving an active display. In one embodiment, the round counter systemcommunicates information regarding ammunition status to an activedisplay, wherein the active display projects the information regardingammunition status in the first focal plane of the viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the round counter system comprises a magazinefollower having one or more magnets that is inserted into the magazineand a low-profile magnetic sensor to be placed on the magwell or otherlocation of the receiver. The round counter system disclosed herein canwork in conjunction with a viewing optic having an integrated displaysystem to display the ammunition status into the first focal plane ofthe viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the magnetic sensors can reside in a remote connectedto the viewing optic. The remote is attached to the magazine well of thefirearm and the magnetic sensors send information to the viewing opticas the magazine follower rises when the rounds are stripped from themagazine by the firearm.

In one embodiment, the round counter system comprises a magazinefollower with one or more magnets, such that as the magazine followermoves through the magazine, the magnet is positioned in front of one ormore Hall-effect sensors. The activated Hall-effect sensor correspondsto the current position of the magnetic field, and thus, the magazinefollower. A signal associated with the Hall-effect sensor detecting themagnetic field is communicated to a processing unit, which correlatesthe height of the magazine follower with the number of rounds remainingin the cartridge. The processing unit is configured to communicate withan active display of a viewing optic, which displays round countinformation in the first focal plane of the viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the one or more Hall effect sensors can be located ona circuit board within the magazine well. In still another embodiment,the one or more Hall effect sensors can be located in the receiver ofthe firearm. In another embodiment, the one or more Hall-effect sensorsare located on a circuit board.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a system comprising: aviewing optic having an optical system configured to focus a targetimage from an outward scene to a first focal plane and an active displayconfigured to generate a digital image, and a round counter configuredto track ammunition status and to communicate ammunition status to theactive display; wherein the ammunition status is projected into thefirst focal plane of the viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a system comprising: aviewing optic having: (a) a main tube; (b) an objective system coupledto a first end of the main tube that focuses a target image from anoutward scene; (c) an ocular system coupled to the second end of themain tube, the main tube, objective system and ocular system beingconfigured to define at least a first focal plane; and (d) an activedisplay configured to generate a digital image; and a round countersystem comprising a magazine follower having one or more magnetsinserted into a magazine and multiple magnetic sensors placed on amagwell, wherein an activated magnetic sensor corresponds to theposition of magazine follower, and a processor configured to correlatethe position of the magazine follower with ammunition status and tocommunicate with the active display, wherein the ammunition status isprojected into the first focal plane of the viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method comprising: (a)moving a magazine follower with one or more magnets through a magazine;(b) activating a magnetic sensor when the magazine follower is inproximity to the magnetic sensor; (c) determining ammunition statusbased on the position of the magazine follower as indicated by theactivated magnetic sensor; (d) communicating the ammunition status to anactive display in a viewing optic; (e) generating a digital image of theammunition status using the active display; and (f) projecting thedigital image into the first focal plane of the viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic has a main tube, an objectivesystem coupled to a first end of the main tube and an ocular systemcoupled to a second end of the main tube. The main tube, the objectivesystem and the ocular system are cooperatively configured to define atleast one focal plane. The viewing optic further includes a beamcombiner located between the objective system and the first focal plane.The viewing optic further includes an integrated display systemcomprising an active display, wherein the active display generates andprojects a digital image to the beam combiner so the digital image andthe target image from the objective lens system can be combined at thefirst focal plane.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with afirst optical system comprised of an objective lens system that focusesan image from a target down to a first focal plane (hereafter referredto as the “FFP Target Image”), followed by an erector lens system thatinverts the FFP Target Image and focuses it to a second focal plane(hereafter referred to as the “SFP Target Image”), a beam combiner thatis placed between the objective lens system and the FFP Target Image, aneyepiece lens system that collimates the SFP Target Image so that it canbe observed by the human eye, and a second optical system. In oneembodiment, the second optical system has an active display forgenerating an image, and a lens system that collects the light from theactive display. The image from the digital display is directed to thebeam combiner so that the digital image and the target image from theobjective lens system can be combined at the first focal plane andviewed simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body with an optics system for viewing an outward scene and a basecoupled to the main body with an integrated display system forgenerating images and directing the generated images for simultaneousoverlaid viewing of the generated images and images of the outward scenein the first focal plane of the main body. In one embodiment, the baseis separable from the main body. In one embodiment, the base couples toa bottom portion of the main body. In yet another embodiment, the basehas a cavity that contains the integrated display system. In anotherembodiment, the cavity can also have a compartment for one or more powersources.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having abody with direct viewing optics for viewing images of an outward sceneand a base having an integrated display system, wherein the integrateddisplay system generates images with an active display and directs theimages for simultaneous overlaid viewing of the generated images andimages of the outward scene.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with a bodyhaving a main optical system comprised of an objective lens system thatfocuses an image from a target down to a first focal plane (hereafterreferred to as the “FFP Target Image”), a beam combiner that is placedbetween the objective lens system and the FFP Target Image, followed byan erector lens system that inverts the FFP Target Image and focuses itto a second focal plane (hereafter referred to as the “SFP TargetImage”), and finally an eyepiece lens system that collimates the SFPTarget Image so that it can be observed by the human eye, and a basecoupled to a bottom portion of the body having a cavity with anintegrated display system for generating images and directing thegenerated images for simultaneous overlaid viewing of the generatedimages and images of the outward scene in the first focal plane of thebody.

In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic havinga body with an optical system for viewing an outward scene and a basewith an active display for generating an image, wherein the generatedimage is combined into the image of the outward scene in the first focalplane of the optical system.

In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic havinga main body with an optical system for viewing an outward scene and abase coupled to a bottom portion of the main body with a cavity havingan active display for generating an image, wherein the generated imageis combined into the image of the outward scene in the first focal planeof the optical system.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having abody with a first optical system for viewing an outward image and asecond optical system comprised of a digital display mounted in ahousing, wherein the housing is parallel to the first optical system,wherein the image of the second optical system is combined into theimage of the first optical system in the first focal plane of the optic.In one embodiment, the second optical system comprises an activedisplay. In yet another embodiment, the second optical system comprisesa lens system that collects the light from the active display.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body with a first optical system for viewing an outward image and ahousing coupled to the main body with an integrated display system forgenerating an image, wherein the image of the integrated display systemis combined into the image of the first optical system in the firstfocal plane of the optic.

In one embodiment, the integrated display system comprises an activedisplay, collector optics and a reflective surface or material,including but not limited to a mirror. In one embodiment, the activedisplay can generate images including but not limited to text,alpha-numerics, graphics, symbols, and/or video imagery, icons, etc.,including active target reticles, corrected aim-points, rangemeasurements, and wind information.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising:a viewing optic comprising: an optical system configured to define afirst focal plane; an active display for generating an image, and areflective material for directing the image to the first focal plane;and one or more adjustment mechanisms for performing one or more of thefollowing: (a) moving the active display in relation to the reflectivematerial, and (b) moving the reflective material in relation to theactive display.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to housing coupled to a mainbody of a viewing optic, wherein the housing contains a display forgenerating images that can be injected into the first focal plane of themain body, such that the image of the display on the first focal planeis not tied to the movement of the erector tube.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprisinga main body with an optical system for viewing an outward scene and abase coupled to a bottom portion of the main body, the base having anactive display for generating an image, wherein the generated image iscombined into an image of the outward scene in a first focal plane ofthe optical system, a sensor for detecting the presence of a user and aprocessor in communication with the sensor and capable of controllingpower state of the viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the active display is configured to emit light in adirection that is substantially parallel to an optical axis of theviewing scope.

In one embodiment, the active display is configured to emit light in adirection that is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of theviewing scope.

In one embodiment, the mirror is oriented at an angle of approximately45° relative to the emitted light of the display.

In one embodiment, the display and the mirror are located on a commonside of the viewing optic main body.

In one embodiment, the display and the mirror are located on oppositesides of the viewing optic main body.

In one embodiment, the display and the mirror are located on a commonside of a base coupled to the viewing optic main body.

In one embodiment, the display and the mirror are located on oppositesides of a base coupled to the viewing optic main body.

In one embodiment, the mirror is located on the objective side of thebase coupled to the viewing optic main body.

In one embodiment, the active display is located on the ocular side ofthe base coupled to the viewing optic main body.

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein allowthe end user to easily discern a digital overlay from a day optic scene.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic that hasboth an analog reticle and a digital reticle visible to the user whenlooking through the scope.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic is used in conjunction with afirearm. In one embodiment, the viewing optic is a riflescope. In oneembodiment, the riflescope can be used with an external laserrangefinder with ballistic calculation capability. In one embodiment,the riflescope is rigidly mounted to the firearm and the laserrangefinder is mounted to either the firearm or the riflescope.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to sighting system comprisinga riflescope having a main body with a first optical viewing system forviewing an outward scene and a base having an integrated display systemfor generating an image, wherein the base is coupled to a bottom portionof the main body, and further wherein the generated image and an imageof the outward scene are combined in a first focal plane of the opticssystem, a laser rangefinder that measures the distance to the target andcomponents to compute the ballistics for hitting that target. In oneembodiment, the integrated display system can digitally display computedinformation and the correct point of aim, which corresponds with thepoint of impact of the rifle bullet, wherein the digitally displayed aimpoint and the outward scene are overlaid and displayed in the firstfocal plane of the riflescope.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to sighting system comprisinga riflescope having a main body with a first optical viewing system forviewing an outward scene and a base having an integrated display systemfor generating an image, wherein the base is coupled to a bottom portionof the main body, and further wherein the generated image and an imageof the outward scene are combined in a first focal plane of the opticssystem, a laser rangefinder that measures the distance to the target andthe components to compute the ballistics for hitting that target arelocated in the main body of the riflescope.

In another embodiment, the methods and apparatuses disclosed hereinallows for the maximized range of vertical adjustment of an activereticle within a riflescope by specifically orientating the deviceresponsible for emitting the augmentation image.

In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for aligningthe tilt of the vertical axis of a micro display and the vertical axisof a reticle in the optical system of a viewing optic, which is compact,simple, and accurate.

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein allowfor the seamless combination of a processed digital image into a dayvisible optic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to an active displayintegrated into the first focal plane (FFP) utilizing axially orientateddata or communication ports thereby maintaining a minimized physical topdown profile.

An advantage of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein is that amultitude of advanced targeting functions can be utilized whilepreserving a direct view of the target scene.

An advantage of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein is that thegenerated image from the integrated display system is combined with theoutward image from the target in front of the first focal plane and thenfocused onto the first focal plane, as such, the target image andgenerated image from the integrated display system never move inrelation to one another.

An advantage of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein is that theinjection of the generated image from the active display into the firstfocal plane of the optics system allows the generated image to beunaffected by any change in the turret adjustment or position of theerector system.

An advantage of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein is that bysuperimposing the generated image of an active display onto the firstfocal plane, the user is able to use a traditional glass etched reticlefor aiming purposes if the electronics should fail or the power supplybe exhausted. This is an important failsafe which the apparatuses andmethods disclosed herein supplies.

An advantage of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein is that bydisplaying the generated image from the integrated display system on thefirst focal plane, the location of the electronic aiming point staysaccurate in relation to the target regardless of the currentmagnification setting of the riflescope or any other adjustments.

Features, components, steps or aspects of one embodiment describedherein may be combined with features, components, steps or aspects ofother embodiments without limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic depicting parts of a riflescope.

FIG. 1B is a schematic depicting additional parts and components of aviewing optic in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1C is a cross section view of the viewing optic of FIG. 1B showinga moveable optic element inside the optic body according to oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a schematic of a viewing optic depicting a parallaxadjustment knob according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1E is a schematic of the erector system in the optical element ofthe viewing optic according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a riflescope having a main body and a basecoupled to the main body according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a viewing optic with a main bodyhaving a beam combiner located between the objective assembly and thefirst focal plane according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a representative schematic displaying a longitudinally-splitmain body of a viewing optic according to one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 5A is a representative schematic of a traditional parallaxadjustment knob with a cam pin that rests in a cam grove on the parallaxknob.

FIG. 5B is a representative schematic of traditional parallax adjustmentknob showing a cam pin connecting aspects of a focus cell to a parallaxknob.

FIG. 5C is a representative schematic of a parallax adjustment system. Aconnecting rod is shown that can be used for parallax adjustment. Thefocusing cell (parallax lenses) has been moved to allow space for thebeam combiner (prismatic lenses) to be placed forward of the first focalplane according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5D is a representative schematic of a parallax adjustment systemshowing one end of the connecting rod having a cam-pin that rests in acam grove of the parallax adjustment knob assembly according to oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5E is a representative schematic of a parallax adjustment systemhaving a connecting rod with one end connected to a focusing cell andthe other end of the rod connected to a cam pin according to oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5F is a representative schematic of a parallax adjustment systemhaving a connecting rod with one end connected to a focusing cell andthe other end of the rod connected to a cam pin that rests in a camgroove on the parallax knob according to one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a representative schematic showing an outer erector sleevewith a potentiometer wiper according to one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a representative schematic showing a membrane potentiometerplacement on main body of a riflescope according to one embodiment ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a representative schematic showing outer erector sleeve withpotentiometer wiper installed and membrane potentiometer installed onmain body of a riflescope according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of various components of the viewing opticaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure according to one embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is top view of a riflescope having a main body and a baseaccording to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a portion of the riflescope having a main bodyand a base according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic of a cut away side view of the riflescope with amain body having a glass etched reticle and a base with an integrateddisplay system according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a representative schematic of showing a side cutaway view ofan integrated display system according to one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 14 is a schematic of a cut away side view of a main body of aviewing optic and a base with an integrated display system, with thebase coupled to at least a portion of the main body according to oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a representative depiction of an integrated display systemfor imaging the digital display onto a first focal plane of an opticsystem of the main body of the viewing optic according to one embodimentof the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a schematic of a main body of a viewing optic and a base withan integrated display system with an active display located in a portionof the base closest to the objective assembly as compared to the ocularassembly of the main body of the viewing optic according to oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a schematic of a main body of a viewing optic and a base withan integrated display system with an active display located in a portionof the base closest to the ocular assembly as compared to the objectiveassembly of the main body of the viewing optic according to oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a representative schematic showing aspect ratio of amicro-display according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 depicts an integrated display system with a 530 nm-570 nmdigital display according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a schematic of exemplary images that can be displayed with a530 nm-570 nm digital display according to one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 21 depicts an integrated display system with an AMOLED digitaldisplay according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a schematic of exemplary images that can be displayed with anAMOLED digital display according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a representative schematic of a side cutaway view showing anactive display and an optics system having an inner and an outer lenscell according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a side cutaway view of an integrated display system with acollector optics system installed into a viewing optic according to oneembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a representative schematic of a top view of an integrateddisplay system with an active display, a collector optics system havingan inner cell, and an outer cell, a mirror and a screw for adjustingtilt of a active display according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a representative schematic of a rear cutaway view of anintegrated display system with an active display, a collector opticssystem having an inner cell, and an outer cell, a mirror and a screw foradjusting tilt of a active display according to one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 27 is a representative depiction of a side cutaway view showing amicro display, inner and outer lens cells, and a spring located betweenthe inner and outer cells according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 28A is a representative depiction of an integrated display systemshowing a surface that can be used to adjust position of inner lens celland eliminate parallax error according to one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 28B is a representative depiction of an integrated display systemshowing a lens system in one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a representative depiction of a side cutaway view of anintegrated display system with a microdisplay, optics system, and amirror with tilt adjustment capabilities installed into a viewing opticaccording to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a representative schematic of a left side view of a batterycompartment in a base that can couple to a main body of a riflescopeaccording to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a representative schematic of a right side view of anintegrated battery compartment in a base that can couple to a main bodyof a riflescope according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a representative schematic of a top view of an integratedbattery compartment in base that can couple to a main body of ariflescope according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 33 is a representative schematic of a side view of a base with abattery compartment that can be used to couple to a picatinny mountaccording to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a representative schematic of a front view of cantileveredpicatinny mount coupled to a battery compartment of a base according toone embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a representative schematic of a top view of cantileveredpicatinny mount coupled to a battery compartment of a base according toone embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a representative schematic of a side profile view of theriflescope with a main body and a base having axially orientateddata/communication connections according to one embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 37 a representative schematic of a riflescope with a main body anda base having one or more connection interface for communicating with athermal imaging unit according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 38 is a back, left-side view of one embodiment of a riflescope witha laser rangefinder according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 39 is a back, right-side view of one embodiment of a riflescopewith a laser rangefinder according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 40 is a back, right-side view of one embodiment of a riflescopewith a laser rangefinder according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 41 is a front, left-side view of one embodiment of a riflescopewith a laser rangefinder according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 42 is a front, right-side view of one embodiment of a riflescopewith a laser rangefinder according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 43 is a left-side view of one embodiment of a riflescope with alaser rangefinder according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 44 is a right-side view of one embodiment a riflescope with a laserrangefinder according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 45 is a right-side view of one embodiment of a riflescope accordingto one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 46 is a top-side view of one embodiment of a riflescope accordingto one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 47 is a right-side view of one embodiment of a riflescope with alaser rangefinder according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 48 is a top-side view of one embodiment of a riflescope with alaser rangefinder according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 49 is a representative schematic of a holographic waveguide setupwith the digital display coupled into the waveguide and sent out of thesecond hologram which focuses the light onto a predetermined focal planeaccording to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 50 is a representative schematic of an alternative configuration ofa viewing optic according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 51 is a representative schematic of an alternative configuration ofa viewing optic according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 52 is a representative schematic of an alternative configuration ofa viewing optic according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 53 is a representative depiction of a reticle at 1× showing bothpassive (fixed or etched) reticle features and marks or features from anactive display.

FIG. 54 is a representative depiction of a reticle at 8× showing bothpassive (fixed or etched) reticle features and marks or features from anactive display.

FIG. 55 is a representative depiction of a reticle at 8× showing bothpassive (fixed or etched) reticle features and marks or features from anactive display including a range measurement and wind holdover marks.

FIG. 56 is a representative depiction of a reticle at 8× showing bothpassive (fixed or etched) reticle features and marks or features from anactive display including a range measurement and wind holdover marks.

FIG. 57 is a representative depiction of a reticle with standard etchand fill portions as well as images generated from a digital display.

FIG. 58 is a representative depiction of a BDC reticle with rangemarkers.

FIG. 59 is a representative schematic depicting the effect of cant on ashot.

FIG. 60 is a representative schematic of a digital or active displaythat can compensate for cant.

FIG. 61 is a representative depiction of a reticle with a target thatwas ranged at 500 yards displaying the real-time location of the dropand wind holds for 500 yards.

FIG. 62 is a representative depiction of a reticle with a target rangedat 1000 yards displaying the real-time drop and wind holds for 1000yards.

FIG. 63 is a representative depiction of a wide angle view of a reticleat low magnification with fewer rows of dots below the horizontal crosshair.

FIG. 64 is a representative depiction of a center portion of a reticleat higher magnification with a smaller center grid.

FIG. 65 is a representative depiction of a side view of a 1-8× ActiveReticle riflescope. The magnification adjustment ring can be seen on theright side of the image.

FIG. 66 is a representative depiction of a side view of a 1-8× ActiveReticle riflescope with the body of the scope hidden and revealing theouter cam sleeve, which rotates with the magnification adjustment ringthereby changing the magnification setting.

FIG. 67 is a representative depiction a view of the base of the viewingoptic with a circuit board that contains the photosensor and LED used tomeasure the position of the reflective gradient material that isattached to the outer cam sleeve. The outer cam sleeve and associatedoptical system is hidden in this image.

FIG. 68 is a representative exploded view of the photosensor and LEDwith a simulated cone of vision drawn to illustrate the angle ofacceptance of light for the photosensor.

FIGS. 69 and 70 are representative images of the photosensor and LEDworking in conjuction with the reflective gradient strip that isattached to the outer cam sleeve to measure the magnification setting ofthe optic. This illustration shows a gradient strip that has 4 specificsections of differing reflectivities, each associated with an opticalmagnification setting, but it should be noted that this strip could beinfinitely varying in its reflectivity.

FIG. 71 is a representative schematic of a viewing optic with a beamcombiner in the main body and having a photosensor and light filteredcoupled to the beam combiner.

FIG. 72 is a representative depiction of the rear of the viewing opticshowing a window milled into a base coupled to the main body of aviewing optic, the proximity sensor, and the carrier, which are alllocated below the eyepiece.

FIGS. 73 and 74 are representative illustrations of a viewing optic witha base having a power saving system, with the viewing optic mounted on arifle.

FIGS. 75 and 76 are representative schematics of a viewing optic withpower pins protruding through a base coupled to a main body of a viewingoptic.

FIG. 77 is a representative side profile of the base showing the powerpins protruding through the base of the viewing optic.

FIG. 78 is a representative view of the side profile with the base ofthe viewing optic made transparent to show the power pins, which areattached to the PCBs.

FIG. 79 is a representative image of the top of a remote keypad forcommunicating with a viewing optic.

FIG. 80 is a representative side profile of the remote keypad showingpower pins protruding through the built in recoil lug.

FIG. 81 is a representative bottom view showing the two power pinsprotruding through the remote recoil lug.

FIG. 82 is a representative bottom view with the cover made transparentto show the PCB inside of the remote body.

FIG. 83 is a representative depiction of a keypad with three buttons forcommunicating with a viewing optic disclosed herein.

FIG. 84 is a representative depiction of a viewing optic with amechanical switch for altering functionality of a remote keypad forcommunicating with the viewing optic.

FIG. 85 is a representative depiction of a display system for a viewingoptic having a first active display and a second active display.

FIG. 86 is a representative depiction of an image from an active displayhaving high bit depth and high resolution.

FIG. 87 is a representative depiction of an image from an active displayhaving low bit depth and low resolution.

FIG. 88 is an image of the printed circuit board having a photosensor,LED and microprocessor functions.

FIG. 89 is a representative depiction of a turret with a reflectivegradient strip that is attached to the outer turret sleeve to measurethe turret position. This illustration shows a gradient strip that has 4specific sections of differing reflectivities but it should be notedthat this strip could be infinitely varying in its reflectivity.

FIG. 90 is a schematic depiction of the principle of a near zero and afar zero.

FIG. 91 is a schematic of a follower with a magnetic and a magazine usedas compountes of a round counter system in accordance with embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 92 is a schematic of the follower, magazine and sensors on acircuit board located to detect the magnetic field in accordance withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 93A is a schematic of a cut away view of the round counter systemmounted into the lower receiver of a firearm, M4, in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. The follower raises in a magazine anddemonstrates approximately 8 rounds remaining.

FIG. 93B is a schematic of a cut away view of the round counter systemmounted into the lower receiver of a firearm, M4, in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. The follower raises in a magazine anddemonstrates approximately 4 rounds remaining.

FIG. 93 C is a schematic of a cut away view of the round counter systemmounted into the lower receiver of a firearm, M4, in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure. The follower raises in a magazine anddemonstrates zero rounds remaining in the magazine in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 94A and 94B are representative schematics of another embodiment ofa round counter system, wherein the magazine follower has a magnet thatinteracts with ferrous wires in or on the wall the magazine inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 95 is a representative photograph of a viewing optic with anintegrated display system and a round counter system on a firearm with aconventional layout, wherein the integrated display system and the roundcounter system communicate via a cable in accordance with embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 96 is a representative photograph of a viewing optic with anintegrated display system and a round counter system on a firearm with abullpup layout, wherein the integrated display system and the roundcounter system communicate via a cable in accordance with embodiments ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 97 is a representative depiction showing multiple locations for anIR laser to be mounted to the viewing optic disclosed herein.

FIG. 98 is a representative photograph of a riflescope showing theperspective from the objective of the scope.

FIG. 99 is a representative photograph of a riflescope showing the leftside perspective of the riflescope (right and left determined from theperspective of a user viewing through the ocular piece).

FIG. 100 is a representative photograph of a riflescope showing theright side perspective of the riflescope (right and left determined fromthe perspective of a user viewing through the ocular piece).

FIG. 101 is a representative photograph of a riflescope showing theperspective from the ocular system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichembodiments of the disclosure are shown. The apparatuses and methodsdisclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will bethorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the inventionto those skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the set offeatures and/or capabilities may be readily adapted within the contextof a standalone weapons sight, front-mount or rear-mount clip-on weaponssight, and other permutations of filed deployed optical weapons sights.Further, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variouscombinations of features and capabilities may be incorporated intoadd-on modules for retrofitting existing fixed or variable weaponssights of any variety.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer.Alternatively, intervening elements or layers may be present. Incontrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,”“directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element orlayer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, and/orsections, these elements, components, regions, and/or sections shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element, component, region, or section from another element,component, region, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region,or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, or section without departing from the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90° or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

I. Definitions

The numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate, and thus mayinclude values outside of the range unless otherwise indicated.Numerical ranges include all values from and including the lower and theupper values, in increments of one unit, provided that there is aseparation of at least two units between any lower value and any highervalue. As an example, if a compositional, physical or other property,such as, for example, molecular weight, viscosity, etc., is from 100 to1,000, it is intended that all individual values, such as 100, 101, 102,etc., and sub ranges, such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc.,are expressly enumerated. For ranges containing values which are lessthan one or containing fractional numbers greater than one (e.g., 1.1,1.5, etc.), one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1, asappropriate. For ranges containing single digit numbers less than ten(e.g., 1 to 5), one unit is typically considered to be 0.1. These areonly examples of what is specifically intended, and all possiblecombinations of numerical values between the lowest value and thehighest value enumerated, are to be considered to be expressly stated inthis disclosure. Numerical ranges are provided within this disclosurefor, among other things, distances from a user of a device to a target.

The term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A and/or B” herein isintended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone); and B (alone).Likewise, the term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B, and/or C”is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C;A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A(alone); B (alone); and C (alone).

As used herein, an “active display” comprises image-creating pixelmodulation. In one embodiment, the active display is an emissive activedisplay. Emissive active displays, including but not limited to Organiclight-emitting diodes (OLED) and Light-Emitting Diodes (LED), featurethe image and light source in a single device, and therefore an externallight source is not required. This minimizes system size and powerconsumption, while providing exceptional contrast and color space. OLEDsare made from ultra-thin organic semiconducting layers, which light upwhen they are connected to voltage (charge carriers become injected andluminance mainly is proportional to the forward current). The majorlayers comprise several organic materials in sequence (for example,charge transport, blocking and emission layers each with a thickness ofseveral nanometers), which are inserted between an anode and a cathode.The terms “active display,” “digital display” and “microdisplay” areused interchangeably.

As used herein, “ammunition status” can refer to all or one or more ofthe following: the number of rounds in magazine, whether a round is inthe chamber, and whether rounds are in the magazine but not in thechamber.

As used herein, the term “bullpup” is a firearm with its action andmagazine behind the trigger. This creates shorter weapons in comparisonto rifles with the same size of gun barrel. This means the advantages ofa longer barrel such as muzzle velocity and accuracy are retained whilereducing the overall size and weight of the weapon.

As used herein, an “erector sleeve” is a protrusion from the erectorlens mount which engages a slot in the erector tube and/or cam tube orwhich serves an analogous purpose. This could be integral to the mountor detachable.

As used herein, an “erector tube” is any structure or device having anopening to receive an erector lens mount.

As used herein, a “firearm” is a portable gun, being a barreled weaponthat launches one or more projectiles often driven by the action of anexplosive force. As used herein, the term “firearm” includes a handgun,a long gun, a rifle, shotgun, a carbine, automatic weapons,semi-automatic weapons, a machine gun, a sub-machine gun, an automaticrifle, and an assault rifle.

As used herein, a “Hall effect sensor” is a device that is used tomeasure the magnitude of a magnetic field. The output voltage isdirectly proportional to the magnetic field strength through it. Halleffect sensors are used for proximity sensing, positioning, speeddetection, and sensing applications.

As used herein, an “integrated display system” refers to a system forgenerating an image. In one embodiment, the integrated display systemincludes an active display. In one embodiment, the integrated displaysystem includes an active display and collector optics. In yet anotherembodiment, the integrated display system includes an active display,collector optics, and a reflective surface.

In one embodiment, the integrated display system can be used to generatea digital image with an active display and direct the digital image intoa first focal plane of an optical system for simultaneous viewing of thedigital image and an image of an outward scene. As used herein, a“sighting system” refers to one or more optical devices and othersystems that assist a person in aiming a firearm or other implement.

As used herein, a “magazine well” or “magwell” acts as a funnel, guidingthe magazine into position.

As used herein, the term “marks” may comprise any of various visuallyperceptible lines, circles, dots, cross hairs, horseshoe patterns,geometric shapes, characters, numbers, letters, indicia, or symbols.

As used herein, the term “passive reticle” refers to a reticle withfixed marks that cannot be altered by a user. A representative exampleof a passive reticle is an etch and fill reticle. Another example is aholographic reticle, where the marks cannot be altered by the user. Apassive reticle can be located in a first focal plane, a second focalplane or both the first and second focal planes.

As used herein, the term “receiver” refers to the part or frame of afirearm that integrates other components by providing housing forinternal action components such as the hammer, bolt or breechblock,firing pin, extractor and trigger mechanism, and has threaded interfacesfor attaching (“receiving”) components such as the barrel, stock andaction parts. The receiver is often made of forged, machined, or stampedsteel or aluminum; in addition to these traditional materials, modernscience and engineering have introduced polymers and sintered metalpowders to receiver construction.

As used herein, the term “round” and “cartridge” are usedinterchangeably.

As used herein, the term “viewing optic” refers to an apparatus used bya shooter or a spotter to select, identify or monitor a target. The“viewing optic” may rely on visual observation of the target, or, forexample, on infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave,or magnetic imaging, radiation including X-ray, gamma ray, isotope andparticle radiation, night vision, vibrational receptors includingultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibrations, magnetic resonance,gravitational receptors, broadcast frequencies including radio wave,television and cellular receptors, or other image of the target. Theimage of the target presented to the shooter by the “viewing optic”device may be unaltered, or it may be enhanced, for example, bymagnification, amplification, subtraction, superimposition, filtration,stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected,identified or monitored by the “viewing optic” may be within the line ofsight of the shooter, or tangential to the sight of the shooter, or theshooter's line of sight may be obstructed while the target acquisitiondevice presents a focused image of the target to the shooter. The imageof the target acquired by the “viewing optic” may be, for example,analog or digital, and shared, stored, archived, or transmitted within anetwork of one or more shooters and spotters by, for example, video,physical cable or wire, IR, radio wave, cellular connections, laserpulse, optical, 802.11b or other wireless transmission using, forexample, protocols such as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., Bluetooth™,Serial, USB or other suitable image distribution method. The term“viewing optic” is used interchangeably with “optic sight.”

As used herein, the term “outward scene” refers to a real world scene,including but not limited to a target.

As used herein, the term “shooter” applies to either the operator makingthe shot or an individual observing the shot in collaboration with theoperator making the shot.

II. Viewing Optic

FIG. 1A illustrates the traditional design of a riflescope, which is arepresentative example of a viewing optic. FIG. 1B illustrates anexemplary viewing optic 10 in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1B illustrates a riflescope. Moreparticularly, the riflescope 10 has a body 38 that encloses a movableoptical element 15. The body 38 is an elongate tube tapering from alarger opening at its front 40 to a smaller opening at its rear 42. Aneyepiece 56 is attached to the rear of the scope body, and an objectivelens 54 is attached to the front of the scope body. The center axis ofthe movable optical element defines the optical axis 44 of the riflescope.

An elevation turret 12 and a windage turret 48 are two dials that areoften found in the outside center part of the body 38. They are markedin increments by indicia 20 on their perimeters 11 and are used toadjust the elevation and windage of the movable optical element forpoints of impact change. These dials protrude from the turret housing50. The turrets are arranged so that the elevation turret rotation axis46 is perpendicular to the windage turret rotation axis 52.

FIG. 1C shows a cross-section view of the sighting device from FIG. 1Bwith the basic components of optical system 14 and moveable opticalelement 15. As shown in FIG. 1C, optical system 14 includes an objectivelens system 16, erector system 25, and eyepiece lens system 18. FIG. 1Cshows a riflescope having a body 38, but optical system 14 could be usedin other types of sighting devices as well. Erector system 25 may beincluded within a moveable optic element 15. The erector system 25 mayinclude a power varying lens element or zoom element 25A. In FIG. 1C,moveable optic element 15 also includes a collector 22, as well as firstfocal plane reticle 55 and second focal plane reticle 57. When in use,adjustment of turret assembly 28 and turret screw 29 causes adjustmentof moveable optic element 15.

The movable optical element 15 is adjusted by rotating the turretassembly 28 one or more clicks. As the turret is rotated, a turret screw29 moves in and out of the scope, which pushes the erector tube. Theerector tube is biased by a spring so when the turret screw is adjusted,it locates the erector tube against the bottom face of the turret screw.The erector tube provides a smaller view of the total image. As theerector tube is adjusted, the position of the reticle is modifiedagainst the image.

A reticle is a circular, planar or flat transparent panel or diskmounted within the scope body in perpendicular relationship to theoptical axis or line-of-sight through the scope, and is positionedbetween the objective lens element 54 and the erector lens element,typically at a site considered to be a front focal plane of the opticalsystem within the housing. In one embodiment, the reticle contains fineetched lines or hairline indicia comprising a center vertical hairlineand a center horizontal hairline, which orthogonally or perpendicularlyintersect at a center point.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1D, the viewing optic can have aparallax adjustment knob 70 or a focus knob. Parallax occurs when theoptical plane of the image of a target is not coplanar with the opticalplane of the image of the reticle. As a result of the offset between thetwo optical planes, the reticle can appear to move relative to thetarget when the marksman moves their eye around the center of thereticle. This parallax error can result in a shift in the point ofimpact from firing. The parallax adjustment of a viewing optic enablesthe marksman to eliminate optical error at different distances, byenabling the optical system to be adjusted to show the image of thetarget and the image of the reticle in the same optical plane. Parallaxcompensation changes neither the focus of the reticle nor the focus ofthe image; it simply moves the planes at which these two objects are infocus so that they share the same plane (are coincident).

As shown in FIG. 1D, the viewing optic can have a side wheel mounted tothe rotatable parallax adjustment knob 70. The larger diameter of theside wheel provides more space for markers, such as range marker, to beapplied, and is easier for the marksman to rotate and read when in use.The larger diameter of the side wheel serves to increase the accuracyand resolution of the range finding markers.

FIG. 1E shows a close-up view of an optical system 14 in cross-section,illustrating how light rays travel through the optical system 14.Optical system 14 may have additional optical components such ascollector 22, and it is well known within the art that certaincomponents, such as objective lens system 16, erector system 25, andeyepiece lens system 18 may themselves have multiple components orlenses.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can have a focusing cell having oneor more adjustable lens for providing parallax adjustment. In oneembodiment, the one or more adjustable lens is one or parallax lenses.

In one embodiment, a focus lens is located between an ocular lens and anobjective lens. The relative distance between the focus lens and theobjective lens is adjustable, for providing parallax adjustment. Inaddition, erector lenses are located between the ocular lens and thefocus lens. The relative distance between the erector lenses and theobjective lens is adjustable, for providing magnification adjustment.

III. Viewing Optic with an Active Display

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having anactive display that generates a digital image and projects the digitalimage into the first focal plane of the viewing optic. In oneembodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic that has an analogreticle and a digital image, including but not limited to a digitalreticle, visible to the user when looking through the viewing optic. Inone embodiment, the viewing optic can be used with an external laserrangefinder with ballistic calculation capability.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic has a moveable erector tube with ananalog reticle or a glass etched reticle that is mounted to the erectortube in such a way that the analog or glass etched reticle moves inconjunction with said erector tube. In one embodiment, the digitallyinjected reticle does not move in conjunction with the erector tube.Thus, the digital reticle is accurate regardless of the turret orerector tube position.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to viewing optic with adigital display that can be injected into the first focal plane of theviewing optic such that the image of the digital display on the firstfocal plane is not tied to the movement of the erector tube. In oneembodiment, the display can give users accurate ballistic hold points ofaim, regardless of the erector tube/turret position of the riflescope.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to viewing optic with anaiming point that is agnostic to the position of the erector tube and/orturret position of the viewing optic. In one embodiment, if aballistically determined aim point is beyond the field of view of theerector unit, the turrets can be dialed to bring the ballisticallydetermined aimpoint into the field of view.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic has a main optical system comprisedof an objective lens system that focuses an image from a target down toa first focal plane (hereafter referred to as the “FFP Target Image”),followed by an erector lens system that inverts the FFP Target Image andfocuses it to a second focal plane (hereafter referred to as the “SFPTarget Image”), a beam combiner that is placed between the objectivelens system and the FFP Target Image, an eyepiece lens system thatcollimates the SFP Target Image so that it can be observed by the humaneye, and a second optical system.

In one embodiment, the second optical system has an active display, anda lens system that collects the light from the active display. The imagefrom the digital display is directed to the beam combiner so that thedigital image and the target image from the objective lens system can becombined at the first focal plane and viewed simultaneously. In oneembodiment, the second optical system can have a reflective material,including but not limited to a mirror.

Referring to the description above, the digital display is injected intothe main optical system, between the objective lens system and the firstfocal plane, and then is focused onto the first focal plane. At thefirst focal plane, both the digital image from the digital display andthe analog/glass etched reticle attached to the erector lens systemshare the same plane. However, the analog reticle is attached to amoveable erector lens system, while the image from the digital displayis not. Therefore, if the erector lens system is moved, the analogreticle will move, but the digital image will remain stationary.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can be rigidly mounted to afirearm. In another embodiment, a laser rangefinder can be mounted toeither the firearm or the viewing optic. The laser rangefinder measuresthe distance to the target, computes the ballistics for hitting thattarget, provides that information into the active display so that thecorrect point of aim can be displayed with the point of impact of therifle bullet.

It is important that the digital image remain stationary because thelaser range finder is rigidly attached to viewing optic and its point ofaim does not move. This allows the digital display to be digitallyadjusted so that the digital laser designator corresponds with the laseron initial setup, and then the two will always remain in alignment, nomatter how the erector lens system is moved.

Additionally, the barrel of a firearm is rigidly attached to the viewingoptic, so the point of aim of the barrel never changes in relation tothe digital display. This allows the digital display to be digitallyadjusted so that a digital aim point corresponds with the barrel of thefirearm at its initial “sight-in” distance during initial setup, andthen the two will always remain in alignment.

When the need arises to shoot at different distances than the initialsight-in distance, the laser range finder can measure the distance andthen do ballistic calculations to determine the new location of thepoint of aim. That new point of aim location is always relative to theinitial sight in distance, so the riflescope simply needs to adjust thedigital display aim point to correspond with the new point of aim.

A side benefit of this system is that, because the digital aim point isstationary, the user can easily test the accuracy of the turrets on theviewing optic that adjust the erector tube position using a reticle thathas predetermined marks on it at regular intervals. As the erector tubemoves, the reticle can be measured against the stationary digital aimpoint to see if the adjustment dialed on the turrets corresponds to theamount of movement measured between the digital aim point and thereticle attached to the erector lens system.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a display system for aviewing optic comprising a first active display for generating a firstimage, and a second active display for generating a second image,wherein the first active display and second active display areperpendicular to one another, and further wherein either the first imageor the second image is projected into a first focal plane of a viewingoptic. In one embodiment, the display system further comprises anoptical system having a first focal plane and a first beam combiner;

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a display system for aviewing optic comprising a first active display configured to generatean image, a second active display configured to generate a second image,a beam combiner located between the first active display and the secondactive display and configured to combine the first image and a secondimage to generate a combined image, wherein the combined image isprojected into a first focal plane of a viewing optic. In oneembodiment, the display system further comprises a collector lenssystem. In still another embodiment, the display system comprises areflective material.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a display system for aviewing optic comprising a first active display for generating a firstimage, and a second active display for generating a second image,wherein the first active display and second active display areperpendicular to one another, and further wherein either the first imageor the second image are directed to a beam combiner for simultaneousoverlaid viewing with an image of an outward scene in a first focalplane of a viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a display system for aviewing optic comprising a first active display configured to generatean image, a second active display configured to generate a second image,a beam combiner located between the first active display and the secondactive display and configured to combine the first image and a secondimage to generate a combined image, wherein the combined image isdirected to an additional beam combiner for simultaneous overlaidviewing with an image of an outward scene in a first focal plane of aviewing optic. In one embodiment, the display system further comprises acollector lens system. In still another embodiment, the display systemcomprises a reflective material for directing the combined image to theadditional beam combiner.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for viewing with aviewing optic comprising generating a first image with a first activedisplay; generating a second image with a second active display;combining the first image and the second image with a beam combiner toproduce a combined image; and projecting the combined image into a firstfocal plane of a viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for viewing with aviewing optic comprising generating a first image with a first activedisplay; generating a second image with a second active display;combining the first image and the second image with a beam combiner toproduce a combined image; and directing the combined image to anadditional, separate beam combiner for viewing the combined image and animage of an outward scene in a first focal plane of a viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for viewing with aviewing optic comprising viewing a field of view of an outward scenewith viewing optics having a first focal plane and positioned along aviewing optical axis; generating a first image with a first activedisplay; generating a second image with a second active display;combining the first image and the second image with a beam combiner toproduce a combined image; and projecting the combined image into thefirst focal plane of a viewing optic. In one embodiment, projecting thecombined image into a first focal plane uses a reflective material.

FIG. 85 is a representative schematic of a display system 8500 havingmultiple active displays. The system 8500 has a first active display8507 configured to generate a first image in a direction that issubstantially parallel to an optical axis of the viewing optic. Further,the system has a second active display 8509 configured to generate animage in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to an opticalaxis of the viewing optic. The system further has a beam combiner 8511configured to combine the generated image from the first active display8507 and the second active display 8509. As shown in FIG. 85, the firstactive display 8507 is located to the left of the beam combiner 8511 andthe second active display 8509 is located above the beam combiner.

The system further as a collection lens system 8513 located to the rightof the beam combiner 8511. The system also has a reflective material8515 located to the right of the collection lens system 8513.

In one embodiment, the first active display 8507 and the second activedisplay 8509 generate a first image and a second image, respectively,which are directed to the beam combiner 8511. The beam combiner 8511 isconfigured to combine the first and second images into a combinedgenerated image. The combined generated image is directed to thecollection lens system 8513, and optionally to a reflective material8515.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having adisplay system with one or more active displays. In one embodiment, theviewing optic has a display system with a first active displayconfigured to generate an image and a second active display configuredto generate a second image. In one embodiment, the first active displayand the second active display are parallel in reference to each other.In yet another embodiment, the first active display is perpendicular tothe second active display.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic withmultiple displays in conjunction with a passive sight picture to provideclear resolution and bright images to a user regardless of the time orlight conditions. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to aviewing optic with a combination of thermal and night visiontechnologies to be used in tandem in order to optimize sighting picturesin all environments and scenarios.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having anintegrated display system with appropriate brightness and clarity levelsfor thermal technology in a range of environmental brightness levels.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system that uses multiple displays to augment apassive image provided by a day view optic.

Rather than projecting or displaying an entire image, the viewing opticwith an integrated display system can use the thermal camera to augmenta passive image rather than display an entirely new image. The abilityto have two different displays also allows for optimal battery lifewhile still providing sufficient brightness and image quality.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemcombines multiple displays into one viewing optic: a first display withhigh brightness quality and a second display with higher bit depth andhigher resolution. In one embodiment, the viewing optic has two beamcombiners. In one embodiment, the viewing optic has a first beamcombiner in the main body and a second beam combiner in the base.

By using two displays, one display can be of the format that has lowcolor depth and resolution, but high brightness for daytime use, and theother display can be of the type that has higher color depth andresolution, but lower brightness for low light use. In one embodiment,color depth, resolution and brightness can be a comparison between afirst display and a second display. In another embodiment, the termshigh color depth, low color depth, high resolution, low resolution, highbrightness, and low brightness can be used in accordance with industrystandards.

The advantage of the use of these two display types becomes clear whenused with thermal and night vision cameras. In one embodiment, a thermalcamera can be attached to the viewing optic and transmit a thermal imageto the active display, which transmits the image into the field of viewsuch that the thermal image is overlaid onto the passive image.

During daylight, the passive image is bright, therefore the thermalimage from the active display must be bright enough such that the usercan see it. At the current time, suitable displays that have a highenough brightness for use in these conditions have low color bit depthand lower resolution (FIGS. 86 and 87). This means that there are fewershades of color available for the display to project between lighter anddarker areas and the quality of the projected image is lower.

However, if this display is only used during the day, it only needs toaugment the passive image, so color depth and resolution is much lessimportant. For example, the sight can be programmed to only outlinethermal signatures, rather than shade them in, since the passive imagewill provide the necessary details needed for a good image and thedisplay will only help draw the user's eye to a heat source.

During low light conditions, the passive image begins to dim to thepoint that it becomes harder for the user to see detail. In this case, ahigh brightness display becomes unnecessary and allows the use ofanother display that has lower brightness, but higher bit depth andresolution.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic may have a light sensor that candetect when light levels go below a set threshold, the viewing opticuses the secondary display, which could have enough bit depth andresolution to accurately shade the heat source and augment or replacethe passive image so that the user gets a clear image.

In another embodiment, a viewing optic with two or more active displayscan project a thermal and night vision image into the field of view ofthe viewing optic. By using both a thermal camera and a low lightcamera, such as a low light CMOS, the two active displays could send animage from each camera into the field of view of the riflescope.

For example, the thermal camera could transmit outlines of heat sourcesto the low bit depth, low resolution display and the low light CMOScamera could transmit a night vision image to the high bit depth, highresolution display, so that both would be simultaneously imaged into thefield of view.

Another advantage of a viewing optic with multiple active displays isthat a high brightness display is a small display, which means it has alimited field of view. For daylight, this is not as big of a problem,because the user still has the ability of seeing a wider field of viewfrom the passive optics. However, at night, when the passive image isless usable, a small display can become a liability for approachingthreats. Fortunately, the lower brightness display is larger, so itallows a larger field of view for low light conditions. This againallows for the best of both worlds.

Lastly, high bit depth, high resolution displays use significantly morepower than a low bit depth, low resolution display. This means thatduring daylight hours, only the low bit depth, low resolution displayneeds to be used and can significantly reduce overall power consumptionthan using a high resolution display all the time.

In one embodiment, the first and second active displays are configuredto emit light in a direction that is substantially parallel to anoptical axis of the viewing scope. In yet another embodiment, the firstand second active displays are configured to emit light in a directionthat is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the viewingoptic.

In one embodiment, the first active display is configured to emit lightin a direction that is substantially parallel to an optical axis of theviewing scope, and the second active display is configured to emit lightin a direction that is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis ofthe viewing optic.

In yet another embodiment, the display system has a beam combinerconfigured to combine the generated image from the first active displayand the generated image from the second active display.

In one embodiment, the first and second active displays are located tothe right of the beam combiner. In another embodiment, the first andsecond active displays are located to the left of the beam combiner.

In one embodiment, the first active display is located to the left ofthe beam combiner, and the second active display is located to the rightof the beam combiner.

In one embodiment, the first active display and the second activedisplays are located above the beam combiner. In still anotherembodiment, the first and second active displays are located below thebeam combiner.

In one embodiment, the first active display is located above the beamcombiner, and the second active display is located below the beamcombiner.

In one embodiment, the first active display is located to the left ofthe beam combiner and the second active display is located below thebeam combiner.

In one embodiment, the first active display is located to the right ofthe beam combiner and the second active display is located below thebeam combiner.

In one embodiment, the first active display is located to the left ofthe beam combiner and the second active display is located above thebeam combiner.

In one embodiment, the first active display is located to the right ofthe beam combiner and the second active display is located above thebeam combiner.

In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located to the rightof the beam combiner. In another embodiment, one or more active displaysare located to the left of the beam combiner.

In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located to the leftof the beam combiner, and one or more active displays are located to theright of the beam combiner.

In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located above thebeam combiner. In still another embodiment, one or more active displaysare located below the beam combiner.

In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located above thebeam combiner, and one or more active displays are located below thebeam combiner.

In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located to the leftof the beam combiner and one or more active displays are located belowthe beam combiner.

In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located to the rightof the beam combiner and one or more active displays are located belowthe beam combiner.

In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located to the leftof the beam combiner and one or more active displays are located abovethe beam combiner.

In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located to the rightof the beam combiner and one or more active displays are located abovethe beam combiner.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body with an optics system having a first focal plane andconfigured to view images of an outward scene, a beam combiner that isplaced in line with the optics system, and a display system having afirst active display configured to generate an image, an additional,separate and distinct beam combiner, and a second active displayperpendicular to the first active display and configured to generated asecond image, wherein the generated images from either the first activedisplay or the second active display are projected into the first focalplane of the optics system providing simultaneous viewing of thegenerated images and images of the outward scene when looking through aneyepiece of the scope body. In one embodiment, the generated images fromthe first active display and the second active display are combined inthe second beam combiner and directed to the first beam combiner systemproviding simultaneous viewing of the combined image and images of theoutward scene in a first focal plane of the optics when looking throughan eyepiece of the scope body.

In one embodiment, the second beam combiner is located to the right ofthe first active display. In yet another embodiment, the second activedisplay can be placed into the system perpendicular to the primaryactive display. This allows both displays to be used and projected ontothe focal plane of the viewing optic individually or simultaneously.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising:an optical system for generating an image of an outward scene along aviewing optical axis and a beam combiner and a display system having afirst active display configured to generate an image, and a secondactive display perpendicular to the first active display and configuredto generate a second image, wherein the generated images from either thefirst active display or the second active display are directed to thebeam combiner for simultaneous viewing of the generated image and imageof the outward scene in the first focal plane of the optics system whenlooking through an eyepiece of the scope body.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising:an optical system for generating an image of an outward scene along aviewing optical axis and a first beam combiner and a display systemhaving a first active display configured to generate an image, a secondactive display configured to generate a second image, an additional,separate and distinct beam combiner for combining the first image andthe second image, wherein the combined image is directed to the firstbeam combiner for simultaneous viewing of the generated image and imageof the outward scene in the first focal plane of the optics system whenlooking through an eyepiece of the scope body.

IV. Viewing Optic with A Base

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic, includingbut not limited to a riflescope, having a first housing coupled to asecond housing. In one embodiment, the first housing is a main body. Inyet another embodiment, the second housing is a base.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a riflescope having a mainbody and a base coupled to the main body. In one embodiment, the base isseparable from the main body. In one embodiment, the base is attached toa bottom portion of the main body. In one embodiment, a gasket is usedto enclose the main body and the base.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a riflescope having a mainbody with an optics system for generating images of an outward scene anda base coupled to the main body with an integrated display system forgenerating digital images and directing the digital images into a firstfocal plane of the optics system, thereby providing simultaneous viewingof the digital images and images of the outward scene.

In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a riflescope having amain body with an optics system for generating images of an outwardscene and a base coupled to the main body with an integrated displaysystem having an active display for generating images and directing thegenerated images into a first focal plane of the optics system providingsimultaneous viewing of the generated images and images of the outwardscene when looking through an eyepiece of the scope body.

In a representative embodiment, FIG. 2 displays a side view of ariflescope 200 with a main body 210 and a base 220. In one embodiment,the base 220 is separable from the main body 210. The base 220 attachesat one end of the scope body near the magnification ring 212 and at theother end of the scope body near the objective assembly 214. In oneembodiment, the main body 210 and the base 220 are made of the samematerial. In another embodiment, the scope body and the base are made ofdifferent material.

In one embodiment, the base 220 is approximately the length of theerector tube of the main body.

In one embodiment, the base has an integrated display system that cangenerate and display situational, geographical, and ballisticinformation in the first focal plane of the viewing optic including butnot limited to: real time ballistic solutions; next round ballisticcorrection through in-flight tracer round detection and tracking; weaponpointing angle tracking using integrated high performance inertialsensors; precise pointing angle comparisons for advanced ballistictargeting and correction; target location and designation; pressure,humidity, and temperature; anti-fratricide and situational awarenessdata can be processed by the device and viewed while sighting; reticletargeting correction beyond scopes field of view for convenientballistic drop correction at long ranges; weapon, round, andenvironmental characterization data.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic has one or more of the followingcapabilities and/or components: one or more microprocessors, one or morecomputers, a fully integrated ballistic computer; an integrated nearinfrared. Laser Rangefinder; an integrated GPS and digital compass withthe viewing optic capable of full coordinate target location anddesignation; integrated sensors for pressure, humidity, and temperaturewith the viewing optic capable of automatically incorporating this datain ballistic calculations; conventional viewing optic capabilities inall conditions, including zero-power off mode; wired and wirelessinterfaces for communication of sensor, environmental, and situationalawareness data; ability to support digital interfaces such as PersonalNetwork Node (PNN) and Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW); integrated tiltsensitivity with respect to vertical with ballistic correction possiblefor uphill and downhill shooting orientations; integrated imagingsensor; acquiring and processing target scene image frames; ability torecord firing time history for purposes of applying cold bore/hot boreshot correction in an automated fashion; and built in backup opticalrange estimation capability with automatic angular to linear sizeconversion.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can communicate wirelessly with oneor more devices. In another embodiment, the viewing optic cancommunicate via a physical cable with one or more devices.

A. Main Body

In one embodiment, the main body is the shape of an elongate tube, whichtapers from a larger opening at its front to a smaller opening at itsrear and an eyepiece attached to the rear of the elongate tube, and anobjective lens attached to the front of the elongate tube. In oneembodiment, the first housing is a main body of a riflescope.

In one embodiment, the main body has a viewing input end, and a viewingoutput end, which can be aligned along viewing optical axis 44 (FIG. 1B)and can be inline. Objects or targets can be directly viewed by the eyeof the user through the viewing input end, along the viewing direct viewoptics, and out the viewing output end. The main body can include anobjective lens or lens assembly at the viewing input end. A first focalplane reticle can be positioned and spaced along the viewing opticalaxis A from the objective lens assembly.

In one embodiment, a picture or image reversal lens assembly can bepositioned and spaced rearwardly along the viewing optical axis A fromthe first focal plane reticle. An erector tube having an erecting imagesystem is located within the main body between the objective lens andthe ocular lens in order to flip the image. This gives the image thecorrect orientation for land viewing. The erecting image system isusually contained within an erector tube.

The reversal lens assembly or erecting image system can comprise one ormore lenses spaced apart from each other. The erector image system mayinclude one or more movable optical elements, such as a focus lens thatis movable along its optical axis to adjust the focus of the image and amagnification lens movable along its optical axis to optically magnifythe image at the rear focal plane so that the target appears closer thanits actual distance. Typically, the erector assembly includes amechanical, electro-mechanical, or electro-optical system to drivecooperative movement of both the focus lens and one or morepower-varying lens elements of the magnification lens to provide acontinuously variable magnification range throughout which the erectorassembly produces a focused, erect image of the distant target at therear focal plane.

Variable magnification can be achieved by providing a mechanism foradjusting the position of the erector lenses in relationship to eachother within the erector tube. This is typically done through the use ofa cam tube that fits closely around the erector tube. Each erector lens(or lens group) is mounted in an erector lens mount that slides withinthe erector tube. An erector sleeve attached to the erector lens mountslides in a straight slot in the body of the erector tube to maintainthe orientation of the erector lens. The erector sleeve also engages anangled, or curving, slot in the cam tube. Turning the cam tube causesthe erector lens mount to move lengthwise within the guide tube, varyingthe magnification. Each erector lens will have its own slot in the camtube and the configuration of these slots determines the amount and rateof magnification change as the cam tube is turned.

An aperture in a second focal plane can be positioned and spacedrearwardly along the viewing optical axis A from the picture reversalassembly. An ocular lens assembly can be positioned and spacedrearwardly along the viewing optical axis A from the aperture in thesecond focal plane, at the eyepiece. The ocular lens assembly caninclude one or more lenses spaced apart from each other. In someembodiments, the viewing optical axis A and the direct viewing opticscan be folded.

In one embodiment, the main body has a beam combiner. In one embodiment,the beam combiner can be positioned on and optically coupled to aviewing optical axis 44 as shown in FIG. 1B. In one embodiment, a beamcombiner can be positioned near a viewing optic reticle. In anotherembodiment, a beam combiner can be positioned near a first focal planeviewing optic reticle.

In one embodiment, the beam combiner is located between the objectiveassembly and the first focal plane.

In still another embodiment, the main body has a beam combiner, whereinthe beam combiner is not located near the ocular assembly. In oneembodiment, the beam combiner is not located beneath the ocularassembly.

In one embodiment, the main body has a beam combiner that is locatedcloser to the objective assembly as compared to the ocular assembly inthe main tube of the viewing optic.

FIG. 3 displays a side cut-away view of a riflescope 300 with a mainbody 210 and a base 220. As shown, riflescope 300 has an objectiveassembly 310, a beam combiner 320, a first focal plane 330, a secondfocal plane 350, and an ocular assembly 360. The beam combiner 320 islocated between the objective assembly 310 and the first focal plane330.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic 400 can have a main body 210 thatis longitudinally split to allow for assembly of the associated lensesand circuitry in the base 220. FIG. 4 is a representative example of alongitudinally split main tube 210 of a riflescope 400. FIG. 4 depictsthe parting line 410 of the longitudinally split main tube. The split420 in the bottom side of the main body 210 allows for coupling of abase 220 having an integrated display system.

In one embodiment, the bottom side of the main body has a longitudinalsplit. In one embodiment, the longitudinal split is approximately thelength of the base that couples to the main body.

In one embodiment, the main body does not have an active display.

1. Beam Combiner

In one embodiment, the main body of the viewing optic has a beamcombiner. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is one or more prismaticlenses (the prismatic lenses constitute the beam combiner). In anotherembodiment, the main body of the riflescope has a beam combiner thatcombines images generated from an integrated display system with imagesgenerated from the viewing optics along the viewing optical axis of theriflescope. In one embodiment, the integrated display system is locatedin a housing, which is separate and distinct from the main body. In oneembodiment, the integrated display system is in a base that couples tothe first housing or main body. In one embodiment, the integrateddisplay system is in a cavity of a base that couples to the firsthousing or main body.

In one embodiment, a beam combiner is used to combine a generated imagefrom an integrated display system with an image from an optical systemfor viewing an outward image, wherein the optical system is located in amain body of a riflescope, in front of a first focal plane in the mainbody, and then the combined image is focused onto the first focal plane,such that the generated image and the viewed image did not move inrelation to one another. With the combined image focused onto the firstfocal plane, an aiming reference generated by the integrated displaysystem will be accurate regardless of adjustments to the movable erectorsystem.

In one embodiment, a beam combiner can be aligned with the integrateddisplay system along the display optical axis and positioned along theviewing optical axis of the viewing optics of the main body of ariflescope, thereby allowing for the images from the integrated displayto be directed onto the viewing optical axis for combining with thefield of view of the viewing optics in an overlaid manner.

In another embodiment, the beam combiner and the integrated displaysystem are in the same housing. In one embodiment, the beam combiner isapproximately 25 mm from the objective assembly.

In one embodiment, the beam combiner is approximately 5 mm distance fromthe objective assembly. In one embodiment the beam combiner ispositioned at a distance from the objective assembly including but notlimited to from 1 mm to 5 mm, or from 5 mm to 10 mm or from 5 mm to 15mm, or from 5 mm to 20 mm, or from 5 mm to 30 mm, or from 5 mm to 40 mmor from 5 to 50 mm.

In yet another embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distancefrom the objective assembly including but not limited to from 1 mm to 4mm, or from 1 mm to 3 mm, or from 1 mm to 2 mm.

In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance fromthe objective assembly including but not limited to at least 3 mm, atleast 5 mm, at least 10 mm, and at least 20 mm. In yet anotherembodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from theobjective assembly from 3 mm to 10 mm.

In another embodiment, the beam combiner is approximately 150 mmdistance from the ocular assembly. In one embodiment the beam combineris positioned at a distance from the ocular assembly including but notlimited to from 100 mm to 200 mm or from 125 mm to 200 mm or from 150 mmto 200 mm or from 175 mm to 200 mm.

In one embodiment the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from theocular assembly including but not limited to from 100 mm to 175 mm orfrom 100 mm to 150 mm or from 100 mm to 125 mm.

In one embodiment the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from theocular assembly including but not limited to from 135 mm to 165 mm orfrom 135 mm to 160 mm or from 135 mm to 155 mm or from 135 mm to 150 mmor from 135 mm to 145 mm or from 135 mm to 140 mm.

In one embodiment the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from theocular assembly including but not limited to from 140 mm to 165 mm orfrom 145 mm to 165 mm or from 150 mm to 165 mm or from 155 mm to 165 mmor from 160 mm to 165 mm.

In one embodiment the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from theocular assembly including but not limited to at least 140 mm or at least145 mm or at least 150 mm or at least 155 mm.

In still another embodiment, the main body has a beam combiner, whereinthe beam combiner is located beneath the elevation turret on the outsidecenter part of the scope body.

In one embodiment, the beam combiner can have a partially reflectingcoating or surface that reflects and redirects the output or at least aportion of the active display output from the integrated display systemonto the viewing axis to the viewer's eye at eyepiece while stillproviding good transmissive see-through qualities for the direct viewingoptics path.

In one embodiment, the beam combiner can be a cube made of opticalmaterial, such as optical glass or plastic materials with a partiallyreflective coating. The coating can be a uniform and neutral colorreflective coating, or can be tailored with polarizing, spectrallyselective or patterned coatings to optimize both the transmission andreflection properties in the eyepiece. The polarization and/or color ofthe coating can be matched to the active display. This can optimizereflectance and efficiency of the display optical path with minimalimpact to the direct viewing optics transmission path.

Although the beam combiner is shown as a cube, in some embodiments, thebeam combiner can have different optical path lengths for the integrateddisplay system, and the direct viewing optics along viewing optical axisA. In some embodiments, the beam combiner can be of a plate form, wherea thin reflective/transmissive plate can be inserted in the directviewing optics path across the optical axis A.

In one embodiment, the position of the beam combiner can be adjusted inrelation to the reflective material to eliminate any errors, includingbut not limited to parallax error. The position of the beam combiner canbe adjusted using a screw system, a wedge system or any other suitablemechanism.

In one embodiment, the position of the beam combiner can be adjusted inrelation to the erector tube to eliminate any errors, including but notlimited to parallax error.

2. Parallax System

In one embodiment, main body has a parallax adjustment system. In oneembodiment, the parallax adjustment system uses a device to connect afocusing cell to the parallax adjustment element.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic disclosed herein has a main bodywith a focusing cell located closer to the objective end as compared toa traditional focusing cell and a beam combiner located in a spacetraditionally occupied by the focusing cell. In one embodiment, aconnecting element connects the focusing cell to a parallax adjustmentelement.

In a typical riflescope, as depicted in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, theparallax knob 510 is connected to the focusing cell via a simple crosspin 520 that rides on a cam groove 530 in the parallax knob, convertingthe rotational motion of the knob into linear motion within the focusingcell. However, in some embodiments disclosed herein, the focusing cellis shifted toward the objective side, and thus, a connecting device isneeded to connect the focusing cell to the parallax adjustment element.

The parallax adjustment system can eliminate or reduce parallax errorbetween the image of the active display and a reticle in the main bodyof the viewing optic. The parallax adjustment system disclosed hereinallows for a viewing optic having a digital display image and an imageof an outward scene integrated into a first focal plane (FFP) of anoptic system without parallax error.

In another embodiment, the focusing cell is located closer to theobjective side of the main body as compared to the focusing cell of atraditional riflescope. In one embodiment, the focusing cell is shiftedfrom about 5 mm to about 50 mm closer to the objective as compared to afocusing cell of a traditional riflescope. In one embodiment, thefocusing cell is shifted at least 20 mm closer to the objective ascompared to a focusing cell of a traditional riflescope. In oneembodiment, the focusing cell is shifted at least 10 mm closer to theobjective as compared to a focusing cell of a traditional riflescope. Inyet another embodiment, the focusing cell is shifted no more than 50 mmcloser to the objective side as compared to a focusing cell of atraditional riflescope. In one embodiment, the focusing cell is shifted30 mm closer to the objective assembly as compared to the location of afocusing cell in a Vortex Diamondback riflescope, Vortex Viperriflescope, Vortex Crossfire riflescope, Vortex Razor riflescope.

In one embodiment the focusing cell is shifted closer to the objectiveas compared to a focusing cell of a traditional riflescope including butnot limited to 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 mm closer to theobjective side of the viewing optic.

In one embodiment, a device connects the shifted focusing cell to theadjustment knob. In one embodiment, the device allows for the remotelocation of the parallax adjustment lenses located in the focusing cell.In one embodiment, the mechanical device is a push-rod, a rod, a shaft,

In one embodiment, the rod is from about 5 mm to about 50 mm in length.In one embodiment, the rod is at least 20 mm in length. In oneembodiment, the rod is at least 10 mm in length. In yet anotherembodiment, the rod is no more than 50 mm in length.

In one embodiment the rod is 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 mm inlength.

FIGS. 5C-5F are representative schematics of a parallax adjustmentsystem in the main tube 210 of a viewing optic according to oneembodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5C, a device, such as arod or shaft, 530 connects the focusing cell (parallax lenses) 535,which have been moved closer to the objective end of the viewing optic,to a parallax cam track pin 540 within the parallax adjustment knobassembly. The shifted location of the parallax lenses provides thenecessary space for the prismatic lenses forward of the first focalplane. One end of the connecting rod is coupled to the focusing cell andthe other end of the connecting rod is coupled to a cam pin.

FIG. 5D shows the device 530 connecting the focusing cell 535 having theparallax lenses to the parallax cam track pin 540, which rides in thecam track 545 of the parallax adjustment assembly 550. In oneembodiment, the parallax adjustment assembly 550 has a rotatable elementto move the cam pin and adjust the parallax lenses.

As shown in FIG. 5E, in order to provide space in the main body of theviewing optic for the beam combiner (prismatic lenses), the focusingshell is shifted closer to the objective assembly. Thus, a mechanism isneeded to connect the focusing cell to the parallax knob assembly. Aconnecting device 530 connects the focusing cell to a cam pin 540 thatrides in a cam groove of the parallax knob assembly 560.

As shown in FIG. 5F the cam pin 540 rides in a cam groove 545 of theparallax knob assembly 560, allowing adjustment of the focusing cell viathe parallax knob assembly.

In one embodiment, the shifted focusing cell, which has the parallaxlenses, in the main body provides space to integrate a beam combinerahead of a first focal plane of the objective system.

In one embodiment, the beam combiner in the main body of the riflescopedisclosed herein is located in the space where the focusing cell istypically mounted in a traditional riflescope.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising:(a) a main tube; (b) an objective system coupled to a first end of themain tube; (c) an ocular system coupled to the second end of the maintube, (d) a focusing cell located between the objective system and abeam combiner, wherein the beam combiner is positioned between thefocusing cell and a first focal plane reticle; and (e) a rod connectingthe focusing cell to a parallax adjustment element. In one embodiment,the rod connects the focusing cell to a cam pin of the parallaxadjustment element. In some embodiments, the parallax adjustment elementhas a knob.

3. Magnification Tracking System

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to viewing optic and methodsfor tracking the magnification setting of a viewing optic, wherein thecomponents of the tracking mechanism are reliable, completelytransparent to the operator, and environmentally protected.

When a reticle is in the first focal plane, the reticle is in front ofthe erector system and thus the reticle changes proportionally with thechange in lens position creating a magnified image. The erector systemchanges position through the use of a magnification ring that is locatedon the external portion of a rifle scope near the ocular housing.Typically, a magnification ring is connected with a screw to an outererector sleeve, forcing the outer erector sleeve to rotate with themagnification ring when rotated causing cam grooves to change theposition of the zoom lenses located in the erector system. Whenprojecting a digital image onto the first focal plane it is necessary toscale that image with the scaling of the reticle to make the digitalimage usable.

The magnification adjustment mechanism is coupled to the power-varyinglens or zoom lens element, which provides the ability to adjust anoptical magnification of the image of the distant object.

In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 6, a potentiometer wiper 610 islocated on the outside diameter of an outer erecter sleeve 620. Thepotentiometer wiper contacts a membrane potentiometer 710 located on theinternal diameter of the main body 210 of the riflescope (see FIG. 7).

As shown in FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the potentiometer wiper 610 is aflat spring with two points of contact to insure it maintains contactwith the membrane potentiometer 710. The flat spring is located betweenthe outer erector sleeve 620 and inner erector tube. The potentiometerwiper 610 is located on the inside diameter of the riflescope on theopposing inner wall of the magnification ring slot screw 820. Thepotentiometer wiper 610 is fastened to the side inner side of the scopetube using adhesive.

In one embodiment, the potentiometer wiper has the ability to laycompletely flat on the outside diameter of the outer erector sleeve. Inone embodiment, the potentiometer wiper is placed internally on theouter erector sleeve.

In one embodiment, the potentiometer wiper is not placed on themagnification ring 810 of FIG. 8.

The magnification tracking system disclosed herein is located internallyand no part is exposed to the environment, which offers a fewadvantages. First, the system is internal resulting in no seals beingneeded to protect the wiper/erector system from the environment.Secondly, magnification tracking system is completed when the erectorsystem is installed into the riflescope. This eliminates the possibilityfor debris to enter the system through a screw hole on the exterior ofthe magnification ring.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a system for trackingmagnification setting of a viewing optic, wherein the system uses asensor and a material that has varying degrees of opticalreflectance/absorption. In one embodiment, the sensor is located in abase of a viewing optic, wherein the base couples to the main body ofthe viewing optic, and the material is located in the main body of aviewing optic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body comprising an erector tube with an erector lens system, a camtube or sleeve surrounding or encapsulating the erector tube, a materialwith varying degrees of optical reflectance/absorption coupled to thecam tube and a base coupled to the main body, wherein the base has anintegrated display system and a photosensor for detecting opticalreflectance/absorption from the material. In one embodiment, the basehas a printed circuit board or microprocessor for communicating with thephotosensor and one or more microcontrollers or electronic controllers.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic has a main body with amagnification adjustment ring for adjusting an optical magnification ofan image, and a base coupled to the main body having an integrateddisplay system, a micro-processor, and a system to deliver themagnification setting of the optic to the microprocessor, wherein themicroprocessor communicates with the active display of the integrateddisplay system.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a system for trackingmagnification setting of a viewing optic with no mechanical link betweenthe moving parts of the opto-mechanical system and the sensing device.The magnification tracking system disclosed herein is embedded in a basecoupled to the main body of the viewing optic and does not have amechanical link between the stationary and the moving parts of thesystem.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body with an erector tube housing an erector lens assembly and acam sleeve surrounding the erector tube and having a material withvarying degrees of optical absorption/reflectance and a base coupled tothe main body, wherein the base has a photosensor. In one embodiment,the material with varying degrees of optical absorption/reflectancesurrounds the cam sleeve at the end of the cam sleeve near themagnification adjustment ring of the main body. In one embodiment, thephotosensor is located beneath the material with varying degrees ofoptical absorption/reflectance on the cam sleeve.

When the magnification adjustment ring 212 of the viewing optic isrotated by the operator/user, the outer cam sleeve is rotated, whichmoves two lens cells, thereby changing the effective opticalmagnification of the riflescope.

In one embodiment, the cam sleeve has material with varying degrees ofoptical reflectance/absorption. In one embodiment, the material isaffixed to the outer diameter of the cam sleeve.

In one embodiment, the material is a strip of material. In oneembodiment, the material is approximately 10 mm wide and 40 mm long. Inone embodiment, a first side of the material has an adhesive that isused to attach it to the outer cam sleeve. In another embodiment, theother side of the strip has a printed grayscale gradient on it, suchthat when an LED is directed to it, varying amounts of light arereflected depending on the portion of the gradient being exposed to theLED.

In one embodiment, the PCB has an LED and a photosensor. In oneembodiment, the LED and photosensor are located directly beneath thegradient strip, which is attached to the outer diameter of the outer camsleeve. The LED illuminates the gradient strip and the photosensorreceives a portion of the light reflected off the gradient strip, whichcan then send a signal to a microcontroller, wherein the strength of thesignal varies with the amount of light detected.

When the magnification adjustment ring is rotated by the operator adifferent portion of the gradient strip is exposed to the LED andphotosensor, which in turn changes the signal strength sent to amicrocontroller. The optical magnification setting of the system istherefore able to be tracked by associating it with the amount of lightdetected by the photosensor.

FIG. 65 depicts a side view of a 1-8× riflescope 6500 having a main body6502 and a base 6505 coupled to the main body 6502. The magnificationadjustment ring 6510 can be seen on the right side of the image.

FIG. 66 depicts a side view of riflescope 6500 with the body of thescope hidden and revealing the outer cam sleeve 6610, which rotates withthe magnification adjustment ring 6510, thereby changing themagnification setting.

FIG. 67 depicts a view of the base 6505 of the viewing optic 6500 with aprinted circuit board 6710 that contains the photosensor and LED 6720used to measure the position of the reflective gradient material that isattached to the outer cam sleeve in the main body. The outer cam sleeveand associated optical system is hidden in this image.

FIG. 68 is an exploded view of printed circuit board 6710 thephotosensor and LED 6720 with a simulated cone of vision drawn toillustrate the angle of acceptance of light for the photosensor.

FIGS. 69 and 70 are images of the photosensor and LED 6720 working inconjuction with the reflective gradient strip 6910 that is attached tothe outer cam sleeve 6610 to measure the magnification setting of theoptic. This illustration shows a gradient strip 6910 that has 4 specificsections of differing reflectivities but it should be noted that thisstrip could be infinitely varying in its reflectivity. The gradientstrip 6910 couples to the cam sleeve at a portion of the cam sleevelocated near the magnification adjustment ring. The printed circuitboard 6710 is located in the base 6505 that couples to the main body ofthe viewing optic. The LED and photosensor 6720 on the PCB 6710 arelocated below the gradient strip 6910.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising:a main body with a first end and a second end and having a center axis;an objective lens system disposed within the body; an eyepiece lensdisposed within the body; an erector tube disposed within the main bodyand having an erector lens system; the objective lens system, eyepiecelens, and erector lens system forming an optical system having a firstfocal plane and a second focal plane, the first focal plane proximatethe objective lens system and the second focal plane proximate theeyepiece lens; a cam sleeve surrounding the erector tube that moves inconjunction with a magnification adjustment ring for adjusting theoptical magnification of an image, a material with varying degrees ofoptical absorption/reflectance that is coupled to the cam sleeve; and abase coupled to the main body and having a photosensor that detects thelight from the material, a microprocessor in communication with thephotosensor, and an active display in communication with themicroprocessor that generates an image based on the magnificationsetting and projects the generated image into the first focal plane ofthe viewing optic. In one embodiment, the generated image from theactive display is based on the signal obtained from the photosensor.

Delivering the magnification setting to the microprocessor has manybenefits including but not limited to changing a reticle pattern basedon a magnification setting and changing the font size of alpha-numericinformation automatically as magnification changes. In addition, ifmultiple display “pages” are stored in a memory system, themicro-controller can automatically switch between the “display” pagesdepending on the magnification setting in order to present the operatorwith the most relevant data.

4. Additional Components

In one embodiment, viewing optic can be controlled by buttons that areintegral to the riflescope or externally attached buttons.

In one embodiment, the main body of the viewing optic can have a camerasystem.

In one embodiment, the main body of the viewing optic may have one ormore computational systems. The integrated display system describedbelow may be in communication with, or otherwise associated with thecomputational system. In some embodiments, the computational system maybe enclosed within the first housing or body of the viewing optic. Insome embodiments, the computational system may be coupled to an exteriorportion of the viewing optic.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of various electronic components of theviewing optic according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A battery902 can provide power to a computational system or control module 904and an active display 906. In one embodiment, the computational system904 may include, without limitation, a user interface 908, data inputdevice 914, a processor 910, memory 916, and one or more sensors 912.

In one embodiment, the user interface 908 may include a plurality ofinput and/or output devices such as buttons, keys, knobs, touchscreens,displays, speakers, microphones, etc. Some components of the userinterface such as, for example, buttons, may be used to manually enterdata such as, for example, wind data, display intensity data, reticleintensity data, ballistic profile data, ballistic coefficient data,muzzle velocity data, primary zero data, static conditions of therifle-scope system, GPS coordinate data, compass coordinate data,sight-above-bore data, etc. This data may be received by the processorand saved into the memory. The data may also be used by the processor inan algorithm or to execute an algorithm.

The data input device 914 may include wired or wireless communicationsdevices and/or may include any type of data transfer technology such as,for example, a USB port, a mini USB port, a memory card slot (e.g., amicroSD slot), NFC transceiver, Bluetooth® transceiver, Firewire, aZigBee® transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, an 802.6 device, cellularcommunication devices, and the like. It is noted that, while termed adata input device, such may be used in two way communications, providingdata output as well.

In one embodiment, the processor 910 may be any type of processor knownin the art that may receive inputs, execute algorithms and/or processes,and may include, without limitation, one or more general-purposeprocessors and/or one or more special-purpose processors (such asdigital signal processing chips, graphics acceleration chips, and/or thelike). The processor may be used to control various processes,algorithms, and/or methods in the operation of the riflescope. Theprocessor may control operation of a display system and/or a reticle.The processor may also receive inputs from the user interface, the datainput, the memory, the sensor(s), a position encoder associated with theposition of an adjustable component (e.g., the vertical adjustment knob,the windage adjustment knob or the parallax dial), and/or from othersources.

In one embodiment, memory 916 may include any type of digital datastorage such as such as random access memory (“RAM”) and/or read-onlymemory (“ROM”), which can be programmable, flash-updateable, and/or thelike. In other embodiments, the memory may include memory from anexternally connected device including, for example, a disk drive, adrive array, an optical storage device, or a solid-state storage device.In some embodiments, the memory may be configured to store ballisticinformation that includes data that can be used, for example, to correctfor the amount a bullet may drop over a given distance and/or thehorizontal deflection of the bullet.

Data may be entered from another device (e.g., the processor may receivedata via the data input device that may be entered from another devicesuch as computer, laptop, GPS device, a rangefinder, tablet, orsmartphone, etc.) and stored into the memory. Such data may include, forexample, calibration data, a ballistic profile lookup table thatcross-references rotational data and/or linear data with shoot-to-rangevalues, rifle data, projectile data, user data, etc.

The sensor(s) 912 may be used to sense any of a variety of environmentalconditions or characteristics associated with the use of the riflescope.For example, the sensor(s) may sense atmospheric conditions (such ashumidity, temperature, pressure, etc.), inclination, rifle cant, and/orthe sight direction of the rifle (compass direction). Any number ofsensors may be included. Sensor data may be recorded by the processorand saved into the memory and/or used in the processing of instructionsfor operation of the viewing optic.

The control module 904 may also include software elements, which may belocated within working memory 916. The software elements may include anoperating system and/or other code, such as one or more applicationprograms.

In one embodiment, a camera can communicate with control module.

B. Second Housing

In one embodiment, the second housing is coupled to the first housingand contains an integrated display system. In one embodiment, the secondhousing is a base coupled to a portion of the main body of a viewingoptic. In one embodiment, the base is separable from the main body of aviewing optic.

In one embodiment, the second housing is not an image stabilizationdevice. In one embodiment, the length of the base having an integrateddisplay system is from 35% to 70% the length of the main body of ariflescope to which the base is coupled. In yet another embodiment, thebase having an integrated display system is from 40% to 65% the lengthof the main body of a riflescope to which the base is coupled. In stillanother embodiment, the base having an integrated display system is nomore than 65% of the length of the main body of the riflescope to whichthe base is coupled.

In one embodiment, the main body of the riflescope is about 2.5× thelength of the base having an integrated display system. In yet anotherembodiment, the main body is from 1.5× to 2.5× the length of the basehaving an integrated display system. In yet another embodiment, the mainbody is at least 1.5× the length of the base having an integrateddisplay system.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base 220 can be bolted to the scope body 210 ofthe riflescope to form a totally enclosed and integrated system. Thebase 220 can then be directly attached to the firearm without the needfor traditional riflescope rings.

FIG. 10 displays a top view of the riflescope 200 with a main body 210and a base 220. FIG. 10 demonstrates that the base 220 does not causethe riflescope to bulge at any position or be out of proportion with atraditional riflescope. The riflescope disclosed herein having a mainbody and a base maintains the traditional, sleek design of a riflescope.

FIG. 11 displays the base 220 attached to the main body 210 of theriflescope. The base 220 is aligned and flush with the outer edges ofthe main body 210.

In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, the base having an integrateddisplay system is coupled to the bottom side of the main body 210 of theriflescope, with one end of the base coupling at approximately the powerselection ring or magnification ring 212 of the main body 210 and theother end of the base coupling at about the start of the objectiveassembly 214 of the main body. In one embodiment, the base 220 iscoupled to the main body 210 by threaded fasteners, unthreaded integraland non-integral locating and recoil transmission features, and anelastomeric seal.

In one embodiment, the base can be populated with the componentsnecessary for generating a digital display and then the base can bebolted to the main body of the riflescope to form a totally enclosed andintegrated system.

In one embodiment, the base and the main body of the scope are anenclosed, integrated system. In one embodiment, the base is coupled tothe main body without the use of clamps, which are designed for easyremoval.

In one embodiment, a viewing optic, which has a main body and a basecoupled to the main body, can be coupled to a firearm without the needfor traditional riflescope rings. In one embodiment, a viewing optic hasa main body and a base coupled to the main body, wherein the bottom sideof the base has a mounting rail.

In one embodiment, the base of the viewing optic can include a mountingrail for mounting to a desired firearm, equipment or device, and canhave an adjustment mechanism including an elevation adjustment drum foradjusting the elevational position of the optics. A lateral adjustmentmechanism is also typically provided for side-to-side adjustment. Theadjustment mechanisms can be covered with a protection cap.

In one embodiment, the top side of the base couples to the bottom-sideof the main body of a viewing optic and the bottom-side: of the base hasa mounting rail. In one embodiment, the top side of the base couples toa lateral split in the bottom-side of the main body of a viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the base comprises an integrated display system forgenerating images with an active display and directing the images alongthe display optical axis for simultaneous overlaid viewing of thegenerated images with images of the outward scene, wherein the generatedimage is injected into the first focal plane of a main body of a viewingoptic.

In one embodiment, the base is separate and distinct from a laserrangefinder device. In one embodiment, the base is an independentapparatus from a laser rangefinder device.

In one embodiment, the second housing or base is not an add-onaccessory. In another embodiment, the second housing or base is notcoupled as an add-on accessory adjacent to an eyepiece of the viewingoptics with an adapter.

In one embodiment, the second housing or base is not separable from themain body by the end-user. In one embodiment, the second housing or baseis not interchangeable with multiple or other viewing optics.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a system comprising aviewing optic having a main body with a first optical system and a basecoupled to the main body and having a second optical system, such as anintegrated display system, and a laser rangefinder device.

1. Integrated Display System

In one embodiment, the second housing comprises an integrated displaysystem. In another embodiment, a base comprises an integrated displaysystem. In yet another embodiment, the base having an integrated displaysystem is coupled to a main body of a riflescope. In still anotherembodiment, the base is coupled to a bottom portion of a main body of ariflescope.

In one embodiment, the base has an integrated display system comprisingan active display, collector optics, and a reflective material,including but not limited to a mirror. In one embodiment, the integrateddisplay system has the following architecture: an active display,followed by collector optics, followed by a reflective material such asa mirror.

FIG. 12 depicts a top cut-away view of the base 220 that couples to amain body of a viewing optic. The base 220 comprises an integrateddisplay system having a micro display 1210, collector optics 1220, and amirror 1230. In one embodiment, the mirror 1230 can be positioned at anysuitable angle.

FIG. 13 depicts a side cut-away view of a base 220 with an integrateddisplay system having a micro display 1210, collector optics 1220, and amirror 1230. A main body 210 has a beam combiner 320 located above themirror 1230.

FIG. 14 depicts a side cut-away view of riflescope with a main body 210and a separable base 220. The base 220 comprises a micro display 1210,collector optics 1220, and a mirror 1230. The mirror 1230 is positionedat about 45 degrees. The scope body 210 has a beam combiner 320 that islocated approximately above the angled mirror 1230. The beam combiner320 is located approximately below the elevation adjustment knob 1410 ofthe scope body 210. The active display 1210 is located in the base onthe ocular assembly side 1420 when the base 220 is coupled to the mainbody 210 of the viewing optic.

As depicted in FIG. 15, the images generated from the micro display 1210can be redirected from the display optical axis A onto the viewingoptical axis A through a mirror 1230 to a beam combiner 320 in the mainbody 210 for simultaneously superimposing or overlaying into the firstfocal plane 1510 the digital images onto the images of the scene viewedby the viewer through the optics. Because the beam combiner 320 ispositioned before the first focal plane 1510, and the combined image isfocused on the first focal plane, the displayed image and the viewedimage do not move in relation to one another. This is a majoradvancement compared to devices that inject the image into the secondfocal plane.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the active display 1210 islocated in a portion of the base closest to the objective assembly 214as compared to the ocular assembly of the main body of a riflescope,when the base is coupled to the main body of a riflescope. The main bodyof the riflescope has an analog reticle 1610.

FIG. 17 depicts the riflescope 200 with a main body 210 with a beamcombiner 320 and a base 220 coupled to the main body and having anintegrated display system. As shown in FIG. 17, the active display 1210is located in a portion of the base closest to the ocular assembly ascompared to the objective assembly of the main body of a riflescope,when the base is coupled to the main body of a riflescope. Bysuperimposing the image from the integrated display system onto thefirst focal plane, the user is still able to use a traditional glassetched reticle 1610 for aiming purposes.

In one embodiment, the integrated display system can direct generatedimages from the active display along a display optical axis A. Thegenerated images can be directed from the display optical axis A to amirror in the base to a beam combiner in a main body of a riflescope forsimultaneously superimposing or overlaying the generated images onto theimages of the scene viewed by the viewer through an optics system of themain body, wherein the combined image is injected into or focused ontothe first focal plane of the optic system of the main body.

In one embodiment, the image generated from the active display in thebase is focused on the first focal plane of the main body of ariflescope, which allows the display generated images to maintainalignment with externally mounted accessories.

In one embodiment, the image generated from the active display in thebase is focused on the first focal plane of the main body of ariflescope, thus, the generated image is not tied to the movement of theerector tube. The generated image is independent of movement of theerector tube.

In one embodiment, light from an active micro-display is collected by agroup of optical lenses. The light from the display is reflected to abeam combiner in the riflescope main tube assembly and an image of thedisplay is formed that is coincident with the first focal plane of theriflescope. This image of the display is combined with the image comingfrom the scene (target) and is perceived as being “underneath” thetraditional wire or glass etched reticle. In one embodiment, the“traditional” reticle, which is still utilized, occludes both the imageof the scene and the image of the display. If the luminance of thedisplay is increased to sufficient brightness levels, the image of theOLED display will saturate the image of the scene and will appear toocclude the scene as well.

In yet another embodiment, the integrated display system in the base candirect generated images along a display optical axis “B,” onto viewingoptical axis A in the main body of a riflescope. The images can beredirected from the display optical axis B with a mirror or similarreflective material in the base to a beam combiner in the main body ontothe viewing optical axis A in the main body, which allows forsimultaneously superimposing or overlaying the generated images onto theimages of the scene viewed by the viewer through the optics of the mainbody. The generated images from the active display in the base aredirected toward a mirror, which reflects the images to a beam combiner.

In one embodiment, display optical axis “B” and viewing optical axis “A”are substantially parallel, although other embodiments may bedifferently oriented as desired.

A. Active Display

In one embodiment, the integrated display system has an active display.In one embodiment, the active display is controlled by a microcontrolleror computer. In one embodiment, the active display is controlled by amicrocontroller with an integrated graphics controller to output videosignals to the display. In one embodiment, information can be sentwirelessly or via a physical connection into the viewing optic via acable port. In still another embodiment, numerous input sources can beinput to the microcontroller and displayed on the active display.

In one embodiment, an active display and a beam combiner are not locatedin the same housing. In one embodiment, an active display and a beamcombiner are located in separate housings.

In one embodiment, the active display can be a reflective, transmissiveor an emissive micro-display including but not limited to a microdisplay, transmissive active matrix LCD display (AMLCD), Organiclight-emitting diode (OLED) display, Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display,e-ink display, a plasma display, a segment display, anelectroluminescent display, a surface-conduction electron-emitterdisplay, a quantum dot display, etc.

In one embodiment, the LED array is a micro-pixelated LED array and theLED elements are micro-pixelated LEDs (also referred to as micro-LEDs orμLEDs in the description) having a small pixel size generally less than75 μm. In some embodiments, the LED elements may each have a pixel sizeranging from approximately 8 μm to approximately 25 μm and have a pixelpitch (both vertically and horizontally on the micro-LED array) rangingfrom approximately 10 μm to approximately 30 μm. In one embodiment, themicro-LED elements have a uniform pixel size of approximately 14 μm(e.g., all micro-LED elements are the same size within a smalltolerance) and are arranged in the micro-LED array with a uniform pixelpitch of approximately 25 μm. In some embodiments, the LED elements mayeach have a pixel size of 25 μm or less and a pixel pitch ofapproximately 30 μm or less.

In some embodiments, the micro-LEDs may be inorganic and based ongallium nitride light emitting diodes (GaN LEDs). The micro-LED arrays(comprising numerous μLEDs arranged in a grid or other array) mayprovide a high-density, emissive micro-display that is not based onexternal switching or filtering systems. In some embodiments, theGaN-based, micro-LED array may be grown on, bonded on, or otherwiseformed on a transparent sapphire substrate.

In one embodiment, the sapphire substrate is textured, etched, orotherwise patterned to increase the internal quantum efficiency andlight extraction efficiency (i.e., to extract more light from thesurface of the micro-LEDs) of the micro-LEDs. In other embodiments,silver nanoparticles may be deposited/dispersed on the patternedsapphire substrate to coat the substrate prior to bonding the micro-LEDsto further improve the light efficiency and output power of theGaN-based micro-LEDs and of the micro-LED array.

In one embodiment, the active display can be monochrome or can providefull color, and in some embodiments, can provide multi-color. In otherembodiments, other suitable designs or types of displays can beemployed. The active display can be driven by electronics. In oneembodiment, the electronics can provide display functions, or canreceive such functions from another device in communication therewith.

In one embodiment, the active display can be part of a backlight/displayassembly, module or arrangement, having a backlight assembly including abacklight illumination or light source, device, apparatus or member,such as an LED backlight for illuminating the active display with light.In some embodiments, the backlight source can be a large area LED andcan include a first or an integrated lens for collecting and directinggenerated light to a second, illumination or condenser lens, forcollecting, concentrating and directing the light onto active display,along display optical axis B, with good spatial and angular uniformity.The backlight assembly and the active display are able to provide imageswith sufficient high brightness luminance to be simultaneously viewedwith a very high brightness real world view through optics, while beingat low power.

The backlight color can be selected to be any monochrome color or can bewhite to support a full color microdisplay. Other backlight designelements can be included, such as other light sources, waveguides,diffusers, micro-optics, polarizers, birefringent components, opticalcoatings and reflectors for optimizing performance of the backlight, andwhich are compatible with the overall size requirements of the activedisplay, and the luminance, power and contrast needs.

FIGS. 16 and 17 depict representative examples of an integrated displaysystem in a base that couples to a main body, showing a display, anoptics system, and a mirror. The integrated system functions with anoptics system housed in a main body of a viewing optic, which isdepicted above the integrated display system.

Representative examples of micro displays that can be used include butare not limited to: Microoled, including MDP01 (series) DPYM, MDP02, andMDP05; Emagin such as the SVGA, micro-displays with pixel pitches are9.9×9.9 micron and 7.8×7.8 micron, and Lightning Oled Microdisplay, suchas those produced by Kopin Corporation. Micro LED displays can also beused including but not limited to those produced by VueReal and Lumiode.

In one embodiment, the electronics working with the active display caninclude the ability to generate display symbols, format output for thedisplay, and include battery information, power conditioning circuitry,video interface, serial interface and control features. Other featurescan be included for additional or different functionality of the displayoverlay unit. The electronics can provide display functions or canreceive such functions from another device in communication therewith.

In one embodiment, the active display can generate images including butnot limited to text, alpha-numeric, graphics, symbols, and/or videoimagery, icons, etc., including active target reticles, rangemeasurements and wind information, GPS and compass information, firearminclination information, target finding, recognition and identification(ID) information, and/or external sensor information (sensor videoand/or graphics), or images for situational awareness, for viewingthrough the eyepiece along with the images of the view seen throughoptics. The direct viewing optics can include or maintain an etchedreticle and bore sight and retain high resolution.

In one embodiment, the utilization of an active display allows for aprogrammable electronic aiming point to be displayed at any location inthe field of view. This location could be determined by the user (as inthe case of a rifle that fires both supersonic and subsonic ammo andthus has two different trajectories and “zeros”) or could be calculatedbased upon information received from a ballistic calculator. This wouldprovide a “drop compensated” aiming point for long range shooting thatcould be updated on a shot to shot interval.

In one embodiment, the active display can be oriented to achieve maximumvertical compensation. In one embodiment, the active display ispositioned to be taller than it is wide.

In one embodiment, the active display is oriented as shown in FIG. 18,which allows for the maximized range of vertical adjustment 1810 of anactive reticle within a riflescope. Maximized vertical adjustment isbeneficial since it allows for the ballistic compensation of scenariosat longer range.

In one embodiment, the integrated display system further comprises aprocessor in electronic communication with the active display.

In another embodiment, the integrated display system may include memory,at least one sensor, and/or an electronic communication device inelectronic communication with the processor.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body with an optics system for generating images of an outwardscene and a main body beam combiner that is placed in line with theoptics system, and a base coupled to the main body with an integrateddisplay system having a first active display for generating images, anda second active display perpendicular to the first active display,wherein the generated images from either the first active display or thesecond active display are projected into a first focal plane of theoptics system providing simultaneous viewing of the generated images andimages of the outward scene when looking through an eyepiece of thescope body.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body with an optics system for generating images of an outwardscene and a main body beam combiner that is placed in line with theoptics system, and a base coupled to the main body with an integrateddisplay system having a first active display for generating image, asecond active display for generating an image, a base beam combinerconfigured to combine the first image and the second image, and areflective material for directing the combined image to the main bodybeam combiner for simultaneous overlaid viewing of the combined imageand the image of an outward scene in a first focal plane when lookingthrough an eyepiece of the scope body.

In one embodiment, a base beam combiner is located to the right of thefirst display. In yet another embodiment, a second active display can beplaced into the system perpendicular to the primary active display. Thisallows both displays to be used and projected onto the focal plane ofthe viewing optic individually or even simultaneously.

Method of Use for Range Finding

In one embodiment, the active display can display range measurementsobtained from a laser rangefinder. In one embodiment, a LRF can becoupled to a viewing optic. In one embodiment, the LRF is directlycoupled to the outer scope body of the riflescope. In anotherembodiment, a portion of a LRF is directly coupled to the outer portionof the scope body of the riflescope.

In one embodiment, the LRF is indirectly coupled to the outer scope bodyof the riflescope. In another embodiment, a portion of a LRF isindirectly coupled to the outer portion of the scope body of theriflescope.

In yet another embodiment, a LRF is not coupled to the riflescope butcommunicates with the riflescope via either hard-wiring or wirelessly.

In general operation, a LRF provides a pulse of laser light that isprojected into the scene via the projection optics. This laser lightilluminates the object, and a portion of the laser light is reflectedback toward the LRF. Part of the reflected laser light returning to thedevice is captured by the receiving optical system and is directed to adetector. The device includes a timer starting when the laser lightpulse is transmitted and stopping when the returning laser light isdetected. A calculator portion of the device uses the elapsed time fromtransmission of the laser light pulse until detection of the returningreflected laser light to calculate the distance to the object.

In one embodiment, distance calculations are transmitted to the activedisplay, and the generated images (distance measurements orcalculations) are redirected from the display optical axis “B” onto theviewing optical axis A with a mirror and a beam combiner forsimultaneously superimposing or overlaying the images (distancemeasurements or calculations) onto the images of the scene viewed by theviewer through the viewing optics.

Windage Range Bar

In another embodiment, the active display can generate a windage range.In one embodiment, a user can supply a range of wind values, andsoftware can generate windage data, for example a windage range variancebar. In one embodiment, the windage data is transmitted to the activedisplay, and the generated images, e.g., windage range variance bar, isredirected from the display optical axis “B” onto the viewing opticalaxis “A” with a mirror and a beam combiner for simultaneouslysuperimposing or overlaying the images (windage range variance bar) ontothe images of the scene viewed by the viewer through the viewing optics.

In one embodiment, the windage data includes the minimum wind hold pointto the maximum wind hold point.

In one embodiment, the windage data is transmitted to the activedisplay, and the active display can generate a digital reticle into thefield of view at the appropriate wind hold.

Display Colors for Mental Cues

In one embodiment, the active display can generate a color display toconvey an extra level of information to the user in aquick-to-comprehend format. In one embodiment, the active display cangenerate a series of color coded symbols to indicate a readiness tofire.

In one embodiment, the active display can generate a series of colorcoded symbols to color code objects in the target scene. In oneembodiment, the active display can color code friendly forces from enemyforces. In another embodiment, the active display can color code targetsof interest.

In one embodiment, the active display can generate a series of colorcoded symbols to indicate status of windage adjustment. In oneembodiment, a red dot can indicate that windage adjustment has not beencompleted while a green symbol could indicate that windage adjustmenthas been completed.

In another embodiment, the active display can generate an aiming pointwith color. In one embodiment, the aiming point would be a red color ifproper adjustments, including but not limited to windage, range, andelevation, have not been performed. In another embodiment, the aimingpoint would be a yellow color if some but not all shooting adjustmentshave been completed. In still another embodiment, the aiming point wouldbe green if all the requisite shooting adjustments have been completed,and the aiming point is fully compensated.

In yet another embodiment, flashing and steady states of symbols may beutilized to convey similar status information regarding the adjustmentof the aiming point.

In still another embodiment, the active display can generate text thatis shown in colors to indicate status. In one embodiment, red text canindicate that in input parameter has not been entered or calculated, andgreen for text indicating a parameter which has been input orcalculated.

Markers for Impact Zone in Range Finding

In one embodiment, an active display can generate circles, squares, orother shapes to allow the user to quickly encompass or encircle theimpact zone of a projectile.

Hold-Over Estimation and Compensation

In another embodiment, the active display can generate an aiming pointcompensated for a moving target based on user input for the directionand rate of movement. For example, the user may input a rate of movementof 5 miles per hour to the left. This would be added to the windagevalue if the wind and movement are in the same direction and subtractedfrom the windage value if the wind and movement are in oppositedirection. Then, when the aiming point and/or windage value bar areplotted on the display, the aiming point will include the proper amountof hold-over to allow the user to place the aiming point dot on thedesired impact zone and take the shot, rather than to have to place theaiming point ahead of the moving target to compensate for movement.

Team Operation Via Camera and Remote Display Manipulation

In one embodiment, the active display in conjunction with a networkinterface allow for an additional level of enhanced operation and usage.In one embodiment, the reticle images of a plurality of shooters over anetwork can be viewed. Each shooter's reticle camera image is shown onone or more consoles, and network processes and interfaces enable agroup-level of coordination, training, and cooperation not beforeavailable in individual riflescopes.

Training and Coaching.

In a training or coaching scenario, the coach can see how each shooterhas aligned his or her reticle on his or her respective target. By beingable to actually see the reticle alignment, the coach or trainer canthen provide instructions on adjustments and repositioning, such as byverbal instructions (e.g. by radio or in person).

In another embodiment, the coach's console can be provided with apointing means, such as a mouse or joystick, for which control data istransferred from the console to the rifle's integrated display systemvia the network. This coach's mouse or joystick then controls anadditional dot or pointer in the display of the scope of each shooter,which allows the coach to visually show the shooter which target to use,which range marker bar to use, and where to position the reticlerelative to the target. In one embodiment, each shooter can be providedwith his or her own coach's dot so that the coach may provideindividualized instruction to each shooter.

Fire Coordination.

In another embodiment, the active display can be used in thecoordination and implementation of a multi-shooter fire team. In oneembodiment, the commander of the team operates a coach's console anduses the coach's dots to assist in assigning targets to each shooter,communicating changes in reticle placement, etc.

Snapshots for Remote Review and Approval.

In another embodiment, the active display and network processes canallow the shooter, provided with a control means, to take a “snapshot”of his or her reticle view. This snapshot of the user's reticle view caninclude an image of a target of question. When the image is received bythe commander or coach, the commander or coach review the image andapprove or disapprove taking the shot. For example, in a coachingscenario, the user may take a snapshot of an animal he or she believesis a legal animal (age, species, gender, etc.) to take. If the coachagrees, the coach can so indicate by positioning or moving the coach'sdot in the shooter's reticle.

Biometric Classification of Target.

In another embodiment, the snapshot of the reticle image is received bya biometric recognition and/or classification process, such as a facialrecognition system. The biometric recognition and/or classificationprocess may be on board the gun, such as being integrated into thedisplay control logic, or may be remote to the gun interconnected viathe network. The results of the recognition and/or classificationprocess may be provided in the reticle by transmitting the results viathe network to the control logic and updating the display appropriately.

Side-by-Side Image Display.

In another embodiment, an image is downloaded to the integrated displaysystem via the network and is displayed coincidentally in the reticlewith the viewed images of target. A downloaded image can be used to makea side-by-side comparison by the user of the currently viewed targetwith a previously-taken image or photo of a target similar to that whichthe shooter is instructed or desiring to take. For example, during doeseason, a new shooter may be provided an image of a deer doe forreference in the reticle, which can be compared in real time to theactual animal being viewed through the scope. In a military or lawenforcement application, an image of a sought enemy or fugitive can bedisplayed in the reticle for real-time comparison by a sniper to face ofa person being viewed through the scope.

Representative Examples of Active Displays

a. 530-570 nm

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to an integrated displaysystem that uses a 530-570 nm micro display.

FIG. 19 depicts an integrated display system with a 530 nm-570 nmdigital display 1910.

FIG. 20 is a schematic of exemplary images 2020 that can be displayedwith a 530 nm-570 nm digital display 1910. As shown in FIG. 20, a glassetched reticle 2010 can be used with the apparatuses and systemsdisclosed herein. These images are examples only and should not beconstrued to limit the amount or type of information that can bedisplayed with an active display.

In another embodiment, the integration of the 530 nm-570 nm digitaldisplay 1910 allows for relatively higher efficacy than any other colordisplay, due to the sensitivity of the human eye. This allows for asmaller amount of power consumption, relative to powering a red or bluedisplay to the same photometric brightness.

In yet another embodiment, the integration of the 530 nm-570 nm digitaldisplay 1910 gives the end user greater ability to discern digitaloverlays from the background created by the ambient light in a daysight.

b. AMOLED

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to an integrated displaysystem that includes an AMOLED micro display.

FIG. 21 depicts an integrated display system with a AMOLED digitaldisplay 2110.

FIG. 22 is a schematic of exemplary images 2210 that can be displayedwith an AMOLED digital display. As shown in FIG. 22, a glass etchedreticle 2010 can be used with the apparatuses and systems disclosedherein. These images are examples only and should not be construed tolimit the amount or type of information that can be displayed with anactive display.

In one embodiment, the AMOLED 2110 generated image isintegrated/imaged/focused in the first focal plane. In one embodiment,the use of an AMOLED display 2110 allows for increased contrast andgreater complexity within data displayed into a riflescope.

In one embodiment, the integration of the AMOLED display 2110 allows forthe selection of individual pixels to be illuminated, giving the abilityfor complex data configurations to be displayed with ease in theriflescope.

In another embodiment, the integration of the AMOLED display 2110 allowsfor a small, lightweight package size inside the riflescope, due to thedecreased need for back lighting in the system.

In another embodiment, the integrated display system does not require abacklight display assembly.

In yet another embodiment, the integration of the AMOLED display 2110allows for decreased power consumption, as the ability to optimize powerusage to individual pixels is now available.

In one embodiment, the integration of the AMOLED display 2110 gives acontrast ratio, which allows for a clean “heads up” style display withinthe scope. The contrast ratio allows each floating feature to beindividually targeted and represented without a low glow around thepixels.

B. Collector Lens System

In one embodiment, integrated display system has an optical system basedupon the use of optical lenses as a part of one or more lens cells,which include the lens itself and a lens cell body to which the lens ismounted. In one embodiment, the lens cell includes a precision formedbody that is generally cylindrical, or disc shaped. This body has acentral aperture for mounting the lens in alignment with an optical axisof a larger optical system. The cell body can also be said to have itsown alignment axis, which will ultimately be aligned with the opticalaxis for the larger system when the lens cell is mounted therein. Inaddition, the lens cell serves as a “holder” for the lens, serves as amechanism by which the lens can be mounted to and in the larger opticalsystem, and (finally) serves as a means by which the lens can bemanipulated by and for the purposes of that system.

In one embodiment, the integrated display system comprises a collectorlens system, also referred to as a lens system. In one embodiment, thecollector lens system comprises an inner lens cell and an outer lenscell.

FIG. 23 is a representative example of a collector lens system 2310,which has an inner lens cell 2315 and an outer lens cell 2320. In oneembodiment, an outer lens cell 2320 contains at least one lens and aninner lens cell 2315 contains at least one lens. In one embodiment, theinner lens cell 2315 rotates on the inside surface of the outer lenscell 2320. As shown in FIG. 23, an active display 1210 is coupled to aflat machined surface at the back of the inner lens cell 2315. In oneembodiment, the active display 1210 can be directly coupled to the innerlens cell 2315. In yet another embodiment, the active display 1210 canbe indirectly coupled to the inner lens cell 2315.

One advantage of the collector optics system disclosed herein is thatthe inner lens cell being combined with the micro display mount providesa solid rotational mechanical axis to position the vertical axis of themicro display.

FIG. 24 is a representative depiction of a base 220 that couples to amain body of a viewing optic, wherein the base has a collector opticssystem 2310 as part of an integrated display system. In FIG. 24, themain body is depicted by the beam combiner 320 and the viewing opticreticle 2420.

The outer lens cell 2320 is fixed in place in relation to the viewingoptic system in the main body while the inner lens cell 2315 is allowedto rotationally float inside of the outer lens cell 2320. By placingpressure against a surface 2410 of the inner lens cell 2315 that islocated below the axis of rotation of the lens cell, the vertical axisof an active display 1210 can be aligned with the vertical axis of thereticle 1610 of the viewing optic system.

FIG. 25 is a representative depiction of one embodiment for aligning thetilt of the vertical axis of the active display with the vertical axisof the reticle. As shown in FIG. 25, opposing set screws 2505 can betightened against a surface of the inner lens cell 2315 that is locatedbelow the axis of rotation of the lens cell. The set screws 2505 can beused to align the vertical axis of the micro display 1210 with thevertical axis of a reticle in the optical system in a main body of aviewing optic. The rotation of the inner lens cell 2315 can be retainedby tightening set screws 2505 securely against the lower surface of theinner lens cell 2315, thereby, rotationally locking the vertical axis ofthe micro display 1210 in place.

FIG. 26 is a representative depiction of a rear cut-away view of thecollector lens system 2300 with a micro display 1210 or active displaytilt adjustment mechanism. When a micro display is injected into theoptical system of a viewing optic through the use of beam combiners orwave guides, an additional method of compensation is needed in order toeliminate tilt error between the reticle's vertical axis and theinjected image of the micro display's vertical axis. Set screws 2505 canbe tightened against a surface of the inner lens cell 2315 that islocated below the axis of rotation of the lens cell, thereby aligningthe vertical axis of the micro display 1210 with the vertical axis of areticle in the optical system in a main body of a viewing optic.

FIG. 27 is a representative depiction of a method and apparatus foreliminating parallax between a micro display and the reticle in anoptical system in the main body of a viewing optic. An outer lens cell2320 contains at least one lens on the right hand side of FIG. 27 and aninner lens cell 2315 contains at least one lens on the left hand side ofFIG. 27. The inner lens cell 2315 slides along the optical axis on theinside surface of the outer lens cell 2320. A micro display 1210 iscoupled to the inner lens cell 2315. A spring 2710 is installed betweenthe outer lens cell 2320 and the inner lens cell 2315 to cause the cellsto separate when not under a compression force.

FIG. 28A is a representative depiction of a base, which has thecollector optics system 2300, coupled to a main body of a viewing optic.In FIG. 28A, the main body is depicted by the beam combiner 320 and theviewing optical reticle 2810.

The outer lens cell 2320 is fixed in place in relation to the viewingoptic and the inner lens cell 2315 is allowed to float inside of theouter lens cell 2320. By forcing the inner lens cell 2315 forward by useof a screw or a wedge 2820 that places force on the back of the innerlens cell/active display mount, the axial position of the image ischanged so that the focal plane of the micro display image lies on thesame plane as the viewing optic reticle in the main body of the viewingoptic. Thus, parallax between the micro display and the reticle iseliminated.

The position of the inner lens cell is kept in place through the actionof the spring pressing outwards against the screw or wedge. Parallaxbetween the active display and the reticle can be eliminated withoutchanging the amount of light that is collected from the active displayand without degrading the image quality of the system.

By implementing the use of the spring between the inner and outer lenscell and the force on the back of the inner lens cell/micro display, themaximum amount of light can be collected from the micro display andprovides a rapid, simple, and accurate method of adjustment.

In one embodiment, the inner lens cell 2315 and the outer lens cell 2320can comprise two or more lenses. In yet another embodiment, the lenssystem can comprise 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or greater than 10 lenses.Lens can be obtained from a variety of commercial manufacturersincluding but not limited to LaCroix Optics (www.lacroixoptics.com) andDiverse Optics (www.diverseoptics.com). In one embodiment, the innerlens cell and the outer lens cell comprise a collector lens system.

In one embodiment, the lens system is composed of a five (5) lenssystem. In one embodiment, the five lens system is comprised of 5singlet lenses. In another embodiment, the five lens system is comprisedof two doublet lenses and a singlet lens. In yet another embodiment, thefive lens system is comprised of 3 singlet lenses and 1 doublet lens. Inone embodiment, at least one plastic aspheric is used as a firstelement.

In one embodiment, the lens system is a five lens system with thefollowing order: an aspheric singlet closest to the active display,followed by a singlet lens, followed by a doublet lens, followed by thefinal singlet lens.

In one embodiment, the lens system is a five lens system with thefollowing order: an aspheric singlet closest to the active display,followed by a singlet lens, followed by a singlet lens, followed by adoublet lens.

In one embodiment, the lens system is a five lens system having thefollowing configuration: lens 1 closes to the active display is 11 mm indiameter and 9.3 mm thick; lens 2 is 9 mm in diameter and 1.9 mm thick,the doublet has one lens (lens 3) that is 13.5 mm in diameter and 2.1 mmthick, and another lens (lens 4) that is 13.5 mm in diameter and 4.1 mmthick, and lens 5 that is 13.5 mm in diameter and 3.3 mm thick.

In one embodiment, the air space between one lens to the next lensranges from about 1 mm to about 20 mm. In one embodiment, the air spacebetween one lens to a subsequent lens ranges from about 5 mm to about 20mm. In one embodiment, the air space between one lens to a subsequentlens ranges from about 10 mm to about 20 mm.

In one embodiment, the distance between the active display and the firstlens is minimized in order to collect the maximum amount of light fromthe display. In one embodiment, the distance between the active displayand the first lens is less than 2 mm. In another embodiment, thedistance between the active display and the first lens is selected fromthe group consisting of: less than 1.8 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than1.3 mm, less than 1.1 mm, less than 0.9 mm, less than 0.7 mm, less than0.5 mm, and less than 0.3 mm.

In one embodiment, a five lens system is housed in an inner lens celland an outer lens cell. In one embodiment, the inner lens cell isconstructed by installing an asphere into the inner lens cell from theopposite end of where the display seat is; followed by a spacer;followed by lens 2, which can be a 9 mm singlet; followed by a lockring, which holds both lenses in place.

In one embodiment, the outer lens cell is constructed by inserting lens5, which can be the 13.5 mm singlet into the outer lens cell from thedisplay end of the cell; followed by a spacer; followed by the doublet,which can be lens 3 and 4, followed by a lock ring.

FIG. 28B is a representative depiction of a base, which has thecollector optics system or collector lens system. The inner lens cell2315 is constructed by installing an asphere 2840 into the inner lenscell from the opposite end of where the display seat is; followed by aspacer; followed by a glass meniscus 2850. In one embodiment, the glassmeniscus can be lens 2 as described above. The outer lens cell 2320 canbe constructed by inserting a glass doublet 2860 followed by a glasssinglet 2870.

In one embodiment, the collector lens system comprises a five lenssystem comprising 2840, 2850, 2860, and 2870, with 2840 being closest tothe active display, and 2870 being farthest from the active display. Inone embodiment, the inner lens cell 2315 comprises 2840 and 2850. In oneembodiment, the outer lens cell 2320 comprises 2860 and 2870.

In one embodiment, the spacing between lens 2 in the inner cell and lens3 in the outer cell is changed when the inner lens cell moves axiallyalong the inner diameter of the outer lens cell. This causes the focalplane of the image of the display to shift and is used to null outparallax between the projected display image and the passive reticle inthe main body of the viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the focusing of the display image onto the firstfocal plane of the optic system in the main body is accomplished bychanging the air spacing between lens 2 and lens 3, of a 5-lens system,which is accomplished by varying the position of the inner lens cellwith respect to the outer lens cell.

In one embodiment, lens assemblies may also be assembled together withina lens barrel, which is an integral mechanical structure holding aseries of lenses. It is used to position the lenses axially and radiallywith respect to each other, and to provide a means of interfacing thelens assembly with the system of which it is a part. Lens elements areradially positioned by the inside diameter or ID of the barrel wall. Theoutside diameter or OD of the lens elements are ground to fit ID of thebarrel wall. The axial position of the lens elements is accomplished bycutting lens seats during assembly. The lens elements can then beconstrained on the seats by epoxy, retaining rings, etc.

C. Reflective Material

In one embodiment, the integrated display system comprises a reflectivematerial 1230. In one embodiment, the reflective material 1230 is amirror. In one embodiment, the integrated display system comprises oneor more mirrors. In one embodiment, the integrated display systemcomprises two, three, four or more mirrors.

In one embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle from 30° to 60°,or from 30° to 55°, 30° to 50°, or from 30° to 45°, or from 30° to 40°,or from 30° to 35° relative to the emitted light of the display.

In one embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle from 30° to 60°,or from 35° to 60°, 40° to 60°, or from 45° to 60°, or from 50° to 60°,or from 55° to 60° relative to the emitted light of the display.

In one embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle of at least 40°.In one embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle of 45° relativeto the emitted light of the display.

In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 29, the tilt of a mirror 2910along the vertical axis is able to be adjusted by use of a screw orsimilar mechanism. By turning a screw in against the base or rear of themirror 2910, the angle at which the image of the micro display isreflected into the beam combiner can be changed. This correspondinglychanges the tilt of the focal plane at the viewing optic's reticle 2930of the optical system in the main body of a viewing optic. Using thisadjustment, parallax error can be eliminated between the micro displayand the reticle along the vertical axis.

In one embodiment, the mirror is fastened to the base with one or morescrews. In one embodiment, the mirror is fastened to the base using achemical compound such as an epoxy, a resin, or a glue or combinationsthereof.

In one embodiment, the position of the mirror can be adjusted inrelation to the beam combiner to eliminate any errors, including but notlimited to parallax error.

In one embodiment, the position of the mirror can be adjusted inrelation to the active display to eliminate any errors, including butnot limited to parallax error.

2. Power System

In one embodiment, the base that couples to the main body of the viewingoptic has a power system. In another embodiment, the base of a viewingoptic has a cavity. A battery cavity can be integrated into the basethat couples to the main body of a viewing optic.

FIG. 30 is a representative schematic of a base 220 with a batterycompartment 3005, wherein the base 220 is coupled to the main body 210of a riflescope 3000. As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the battery cavity3005 extends from each side of the base to encase a battery, includingbut not limited to a CR123 battery. The CR123 battery has increasedpower capacity and discharge as compared to smaller batteries or coinstyle batteries.

In one embodiment, the battery cavity 3005 is integral to the base 220so that only the battery cap is needed to protect the battery from theenvironment. No additional sealing is required.

In one embodiment, the battery cavity 3005 in the base 220 is locatedcloser to the objective assembly 3010 of the main body 210 of a viewingoptic as compared to the ocular assembly.

In one embodiment, the battery cavity 3005 in the base 220 is locatedcloser to the ocular assembly of the main body 210 of a viewing optic ascompared to the objective assembly.

FIG. 32 is a representative depiction of the battery compartment 3005integrated into the base 220. In one embodiment, the cavity 3005 isdesigned to have the positive side of the battery inserted first with amechanical stop at the bottom of the battery cavity to prevent improperinstallation and operation of the battery.

In one embodiment, the integrated battery cavity 3005 can use the samegasket as the base 220 uses to the main body 210 of the riflescope. Thisprovides a more reliable seal and eliminates a mechanical device as aseparate battery cavity is not required. Secondly, there is nomechanical device securing the battery cavity since it is integratedinto the base. This reduces the need for any mechanical interface forsecuring the battery compartment. Because there is no need formechanical locking of the battery cavity, the integrated batterycompartment reduces the points of failure for a traditional batterycompartment.

The integrated battery compartment eliminates any obstacles that are inthe way of the user. The integrated battery compartment is located underthe viewing optic out of the way of any of the adjustments and knobsfound on traditional viewing optics. The integrated battery cavity is asignificant advancement as it allows the necessary space to accommodatea larger battery.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can be set-up in a manner tominimize battery drain and to maximize battery life. For example, theviewing optic with a laser rangefinder is activated when an operatorpresses a button or switch. A range finder designator is displayed onthe screen. An external range finder's output laser will coincide withthe designator through an initial calibration step when zeroing theviewing optic. When the external rangefinder is activated by theoperator, information is sent to the viewing optic wirelessly or via thecommunication port signaling the device that information has beenreceived and needs to be displayed.

If the viewing optic is turned on and no data is received from anexternal device, the viewing optic will power down after a user settime. After displaying received information from an external device, thepower down timer is started and will power down the device if no furtherbutton presses are registered.

If more information is received from an external device, the screen willbe cleared of the prior information and the updated information will bedisplayed and the power down timer will be started. This cycle cancontinue as many times as the operator chooses.

During the time when information is displayed on the screen, a cantindicator is displayed on the screen. This is refreshed from anaccelerometer communicating with the microcontroller on a time interval.When the microcontroller is in sleep mode, the integral buttons on theviewing optic will control the brightness of LEDS illuminating a glassetched reticle. When the viewing optic is operating, control of theseLEDS becomes suspended and the brightness of the screen will be alteredduring the corresponding buttons presses.

3. Picatinny Mount

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body and a base with a battery compartment and a picatinny mountthat can couple to the battery compartment. In one embodiment, aremovable picatinny mount is attached to a protruded battery compartmentthat is incorporated into a base coupled to a main body of a riflescope.

FIGS. 33-35 are representative schematics of a riflescope with a mainbody 210 and a base 220 coupled to the main body 210, with the basehaving a battery compartment 3005 that can attach to a picatinny mount3305. In one embodiment, the picatinny mount 3305 is aligned with thebattery compartment 3005 and secured with fasteners.

By attaching the mount 3305 to the battery compartment 3005 of the base220, it utilizes the material needed to make the cavity 3005 for thebattery. This eliminates the need for any additional material from thebase, thereby making the viewing optic lighter and less invasive.

In one embodiment, the mount is located towards the objective of theturrets and parallax knob so as to not intrude on the user's ability toadjust the riflescope. Further, the top ring is removable allowing foreasy attachment of an accessory device, such as a laser rangefinder. Byutilizing the picatinny mount disclosed herein, no additional structuralsupport from the top portion of the ring is needed since the integratedbase secures the riflescope.

In one embodiment, the mount incorporates a cantilevered picatinny railthat extends forward towards the objective of the riflescope. Thisallows a weapons mounted laser range finder to sit directly over thebell of the riflescope. This style of mount allows for decreased shiftof impact and increased accuracy of the ranging device. It decreases thepotential for shift of impact since there are fewer variables that mayaffect the ranging device from acquiring the desired target.

4. Data Ports

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with a mainbody and a base with an active micro display for generating an image andcombining the generated image into the image of the scene in the FirstFocal Plane of the main body of the viewing optic, wherein he base hasaxially orientated data ports for interfacing with ancillary devicesincluding but not limited to remote control switches and laserrange-finders.

FIG. 36 is a representative schematic of a riflescope 3600 with a mainbody 210 and a base 220 with axially oriented data ports 3605. In oneembodiment, the viewing optic can have one axially oriented data port.In another embodiment, the viewing optic can have two or more axiallyoriented data ports.

By utilizing an axially oriented data port 3605, the top down profile ofthe overall viewing optic is minimized, thereby increasing therobustness of the mounted system and its connections.

5. External Video Sources

In one embodiment, the active display in the base can be used as theoptical train or optical system of a clip on device, including but notlimited to a thermal imaging system and a night vision system.

Thermal imaging systems allow for various waves of the electromagneticspectrum to be imaged and relayed to the user, which typically cannot becaptured by the human eye. Traditional thermal weapon sights arecomposed of two systems paired together: an infrared optical system,which views the scene and a visible wavelength optical system consistingof a micro display and lenses to recreate the image in front of theriflescope. There are also instances of catalytic photon enhancement,creating what us known as “night vision” systems. However, clip-ondevices are typically attached to the rifle rail in front of the mainbody of the riflescope. This setup blocks all of the ambient lighttypically imaged by the scope and allows for use of the digital imageonly. In order to switch back to the traditional image, the user mustremove the system from the rail. This can cause an impact shift due tothe alignment setup that you go through each time the sight is changed.These clip-on units also tend to be large, due to the need for aneyepiece/imaging system behind the digital display in the units. Intraditional systems, any live video feed would be a completely digitalimage, including the visible spectrum output.

FIG. 37 is a representative schematic of a riflescope 3700 with a mainbody 210 and a base 220 with an active display 1210 and collector optics1220 that can be used as the optical system of a thermal imaging unit3705. The active display 1210 generates an image that is focused on afirst focal plane of the main body of the scope, using a beam combinerto integrate the image into the traditional day optic. The integrationof the digital display allows for the user to overlay the digital imageonto the ambient day optic. With the digital display disclosed herein,the clip-on unit does not have to be removed from the front of theviewing optic to view the ambient day optic. Rather, the digital displaycan be turned on and off as needed.

The integration of the digital display allows for zero image shift whenswitching between day visible and digital optic. Since the system isfully integrated, there is no need to zero each time the digital opticis turned on. The system is synchronous, due to the alignment of thecombiner optical system.

In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display makes up theoptical train that would typically be the rear half of a clip-on unit.Because there is already a micro display in the base of the viewingoptic, the thermal sight would only need the infrared optics; the imagecreated by the thermal sensor can be transmitted to the active display,which is already incorporated into the base of the viewing optic. Byintegrating a thermal or NV sight in this manner, the thermal/NV devicewill be much shorter and lighter than current weapon sights on themarket. This allows for the design of smaller lighter systems, sincehalf of the optical train is now integrated directly into the base thatcouples to the main body of a viewing optic. There is no need for a rearoptical system or display to be integrated into the clip-on unit thatcontains the sensing device.

Additionally, if the thermal weapon sight were to be mounted off to theside of the riflescope so that the thermal optics did not occlude theriflescope objective, then it would be possible to overlay a thermalimage overtop of the visible image that the user would be viewing. Thiswould have the benefit of being able to highlight humans, animals, oranything with a heat signature that stands out in an otherwise neutraldaylight scene.

In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display disclosedherein creates the advantage of having live video feed into the focalplan of a viewing optic, without interruption of the day visible sight.

In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display allows forseamless integration of imaging overlays, such as live thermal imagingview, and hyperspectral overlay systems. The visible image is nowanalog, rather than another digital display.

In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display disclosedherein creates the advantage of continued image feed, even if power wereto suddenly drain on the digital system. A true analog image would stillbe available, which would not be the case in traditional digital outputsystems.

In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display allows formultiple types of imaging systems to be mounted separate from the frontof the viewing optic. A thermal imaging system can be aligned to thebottom or side of the viewing optic and still feed that image directlyonto a focal plane within the main body of the viewing optic.

6. EMI Permeable Window

In one embodiment, the main body, the base or both the main body and thebase of a viewing optic can have a window that is sealed with a materialtransparent to the electromagnetic waves used for the wirelesscommunication. Transparent materials include but are not limited toplastics, resins or epoxies.

In one embodiment, the window allows EM waves to propagate from thecommunicating device with reduced interaction from the metallic body ofthe viewing optic. This increases the rate at which data can betransmitted. It also allows the wireless communication device to operateat a lower power level due to reduced signal losses.

III. Additional Sensors/Devices

In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with amain body and a base with an integrated display system and one or moresensors. In one embodiment, the sensors include but are not limited to aGlobal Positioning System, accelerometers, a magnetometer, MEMS ratesensors, tilt sensors, laser rangefinder.

A. Pointing Angie, Target Location, and Communication

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can have inertial MEMS Rate Sensorsto determine the pointing angle of the weapon in inertial space. Exampleproducts are the LCG-50 by Systron Donner and the SiRRS01 by SiliconSensing. In another embodiment, accelerometers can be incorporated intothe embedded electronics to determine absolute tilt angle of the viewingoptic and track weapon accelerations due to general movement or a firingevent.

To support targeting, in various embodiments, the viewing optic can havea GPS and/or digital compass. In one embodiment, the GPS and/or digitalcompass can be integrated into the viewing optic, for example, as boardlevel modules. In another embodiment, the GPS and/or digital compass canbe associated with a separate device that communicates with the viewingoptic.

Several manufacturers offer custom of the shelf modules for GPS anddigital compass functionality that are small form factor and have lowpower consumption characteristics. These devices are designed to beintegrated into embedded components. For example, Ocean ServerTechnology makes a 054000-T compass with 0.5 deg. accuracy and has apower consumption under 30 ma and is less than ¾″ square. An example ofa GPS device is the DeLorme GPS2058-10 Module that is 16 mm×16 mm and isavailable in a surface mount package offering 2 meter accuracy.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can have a data interface thatprovides one or both of wired and wireless capabilities designed tointerface to systems such as the BAE Personal Network Node and theemerging SRW radio. These interfaces provide various communicationscapabilities, such as range, sensor, and other tactical data (e.g.anti-fratricide detector, environmental sensors, etc). This uniquefunctionality is used in various embodiments to obtain and communicateenvironmental, target, and situational awareness information to thecommunity of interest, Generally speaking, the various embodiments aredesigned to enable the war fighter to quickly acquire, reacquire,process, and otherwise integrate data from a variety of passive andactive sources into a ballistic firing solution thereby increasing theshooter's effectiveness.

In another embodiment, the sensors provide information to the activedisplay in order to generate real time position data of differenttargets onto the first focal plane of the main body of the viewingoptic. In another embodiment, the sensors are part of an external devicethat communicates with the integrated display system.

By using these sensors in the viewing optic, or on an external devicethat is rigidly connected to the viewing optic, or on a weapon that theviewing optic is mounted to, the exact position of the viewing optic canbe obtained, as well as the exact direction that the viewing optic ispointed, and external targets can be calculated in relation to theviewing optic position and aimed direction.

As the user moves the viewing optic around or as targets move inrelation to the viewing optic, the position of the targets would beupdated continuously and in real time by the sensors communicating withthe integrated display system, so that by viewing through the viewingoptic the user would be able to see where the targets are in relation towhere they are looking.

This approach has strong utility in military applications where you mayhave personnel in different locations that are trying to communicate aspecific target location to one another. For example, with Close AirSupport (CAS), a pilot may be flying an aircraft and a unit on theground may be relying on the aircraft to drop a bomb on a target. Oftentimes, it is difficult for the unit on the ground to relay to theaircraft the exact location of the target. The process of relaying thetarget information between the ground unit and the aircraft is oftenreferred to as “talking on to the target,” and involves communicatingwhat the unit or aircraft is seeing in their field of view, such as whatlandmarks might be visible near the target and so on.

This process often takes quite a bit of time and can cause confusionbecause things often look different from the air than they do on theground. It is critical that each unit be sure that they are all lookingat the same target, because if the aircraft mistakes the target they maydrop a bomb on friendly units, or non-combatants.

By allowing location and position sensors to communicate with the activereticle display of the integrated display system, these issues aresolved. The user of the viewing optic can designate a target in theirscope, the scope knows the GPS location of the scope, the exactdirection it is pointing and distance to the target and can calculatethe exact GPS coordinate of the target. This information can be fed intoa universal system, such as Link 16, that all friendly units areconnected to. Now the aircraft can simply look at a display in theiraircraft and the new target is displayed on their map as soon as anotherunit designates it.

This makes finding targets much quicker and the confirmation that bothunits are looking at the same target much easier. Accuracy is extremelyimportant in determining target locations, thus, the active displaygenerated images need to be displayed in the first focal plane of themain body of the viewing optic. If the generated image from the activedisplay were put into the second focal plane of the viewing optic, thenthe target locations would only be accurate when the viewing opticreticle was at its “zeroed” location. If the user of the viewing optichad dialed anything on their turrets, for example to engage a long rangetarget, then all of the target information in the display would beshifted the amount dialed in the turrets and not be accurate.

By using this with the active display images injected into the firstfocal plane, the displayed data is agnostic of any adjustments made tothe reticle position and is automatically compensated for. This meansthat target data in the field of view is always accurate.

B. Environmental Sensors

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can have one or more pressure,humidity, and/or temperature sensors designed to collect and useenvironmental data for ballistic correction purposes. The sensors areavailable in miniature configurations suitable for integration into theviewing optic. An example of a miniature, low power, water proof,barometric pressure sensor is the MS5540 from Intersema. This componentmeasures 6.2×6.4 mm.

In one embodiment, the sensors can be coupled to the main tube of theviewing optic or to the base of the viewing optic.

C. Uphill and Downhill

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can have a z-axis accelerometerthat can be used to measure tilt angle of the scope with respect tovertical. This tilt angle can be integrated into a ballistic solution atthe time of target selection. Once the target is selected, the systemmay be able to automatically integrate actual uphill or down tilt intothe ballistic solution and display the solution into the first focalplane of the viewing optic so that the digital reticle or correctedaiming point is displayed correctly. This can provide for a very fastand effective means of aiming in long range uphill or downhillengagements.

IV. Viewing Optic with Display System and Laser Range Finder

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body and a base with an integrated display system, and a laserrangefinder. In one embodiment, the laser rangefinder is coupled to theviewing optic. In another embodiment, the laser rangefinder isindependent from the viewing optic and communicates with the viewingoptic, either wirelessly or through a cable.

In one embodiment, the laser rangefinder couples to the viewing opticvia a mounting rail that attaches to the base through the batterycompartment.

In one embodiment, a laser rangefinder can be used to determine distanceto target. In various embodiments, the laser transmits in the near IRfor covertness. A typical wavelength used for laser rangefinder devicesoperating in the near infrared (NIR) is 905 nm.

In one embodiment, the specific laser power and spectral characteristicsare selected to meet range and eye safety requirements of the viewingoptic. The rangefinder is of sufficient power to produce accuratemeasurements out to, illustratively, 1500 meters, 2500 meters orwhatever effective range is associated with the firearm or weaponintended to be used with the viewing optic. For rangefinder operation,in some embodiments a single button control is dedicated for making orexecuting a rangefinder measurement.

In one embodiment, the range to target may be communicated to the activedisplay that generates an image of the range to target and superimposesthe range to target onto the first focal plane of a viewing optic whenviewing the target scene.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic has a computing device withballistics calculator capabilities. In one embodiment, the main body ofthe viewing optic has a computing device with ballistics calculatorcapabilities.

In one embodiment, a laser rangefinder can be used to measure a targetdistance, calculate projectile ballistics and communicate the correctedaim point to an active display in an integrated display system, whichthen superimposes the image of the corrected aim point onto the firstfocal plane of a viewing optic with a reticle attached to a moveableerector lens system.

Importantly, because the active display generated image is combined withthe image from the target in front of the first focal plane and thenfocused onto the first focal plane, the target image and display imagenever move in relation to one another. Therefore, any aiming referencecreated by the digital display will always be accurate, regardless ofhow the moveable erector system is adjusted.

When an external laser range finder feeds range information to theriflescope, an aiming reference or laser designator will need to becreated by the digital display in order for the user to know where inthe field of view the LRF is aiming in order to accurately hit thecorrect target with the laser. The digital display image and the targetimage of the objective lens system in the main body of the riflescope donot move in relation to one another. Therefore, the digital laserdesignator will accurately show the user the correct location of the LRFlaser point of aim, no matter how the turrets have been adjusted to movethe moveable erector lens system.

On the other hand, if the digital display image was integrated into theoptic system anywhere behind the first focal plane then when the turretsare adjusted, and the erector lens system is moved/tilted, then theimage of the digital display would move in relation to the target imageand the digital LRF designator would move in relation to the actuallaser point of aim. This could lead to an incorrect range measurement ifthe user dials any elevation or windage adjustment into the turrets andforgets to dial back to the original position the turrets were set towhen the user aligned the digital reticle with the actual laser point ofaim.

In addition, when a traditional riflescope is zeroed to the rifle, theuser will typically select a “zero” range, often times 100 yards, thatis used align the riflescope reticle with the point of impact of therifle projectile. This is usually accomplished by adjusting the turretsof the riflescope, and thus the angle of tilt of the erector lenssystem, in order to align the reticle with the point of impact of theprojectile. After the initial “zero” of the riflescope has been set, theturrets allow the user to further make adjustments to the riflescopereticle position in order to compensate for targets at different rangesor for changing wind drift variables that affect where the point ofimpact of the projectile may change from the initial “zero” position.

If the digital display were to be integrated into the riflescope systembehind the first focal plane, then the ballistically calculatedcorrection factor to the point of aim would have the potential to beincorrect if the user had made any adjustments to the turrets from theinitial “zero.” For example, if a ballistic calculator determined thatthe correction required 10 milliradians of elevation adjustment to hitthe target, the digital display would place an aim point 10 milliradiansbelow the center of the crosshair. However, if the user had dialed 5milliradians into the elevation turret from the initial “zero” position,the digital aim point would actually be aiming 15 milliradians below theinitial “zero.”

By injecting the digital display into the first focal plane of the opticsystem of the main body of a riflescope, it allows the digital displayto be totally unaffected by any change in the turret adjustment orposition of the erector system. This means that in the example above,the digital aim point would actually appear only 5 milliradians belowthe center of the reticle, for a total of, the correct, 10 milliradianballistic drop (user had previously dialed 5 milliradians into theelevation turret from the initial “zero” position). In short, injectingthe digital display image into the first focal plane of the optic systemof the main body renders the digital display image completely agnosticto any change in the turret position and thus the erector lens systemmovement/tilt, which provides the needed accuracy.

In one embodiment, the laser range finder capability providesdynamically defined ballistic solutions based upon data acquired. Therange to target may be used by the on-board computer when processingtracer trajectory to determine the best point along the measuredtrajectory path to use for determining the ballistic correction for thenext shot.

In one embodiment, the laser rangefinder is integrated into the scopeand has a dedicated outgoing laser transmission port. In one embodiment,the optical path of this dedicated laser axis is positioned in thecorner of the housing, so it is unobstructed by the main objective lens.The detection path for the incoming reflected laser signal is throughthe main objective of the scope where the light is directed to a photodetector by a near IR beamsplitter. This arrangement takes advantage ofthe relatively large aperture of the main objective lens to increase thesignal to noise of the measurement.

FIGS. 38 through 44 provides photographs of a viewing optic 3800 havinga main body 3810 with an optical system and a base 3820 coupled to themain body 3810 having an integrated display system, with a laser rangefinder 3830 coupled to the top of the main body 3810. The viewing optic3800 can have two auxiliary ports 3805 for communication with anexternal source. The viewing optic 3800 can have a picatinny mount 3305that couples to the outside of a battery cap for a battery cavity 3005in the base 3820.

FIGS. 45 through 46 provide depictions of a viewing optic 4500 having amain body 4510 with an optical system and a base 4520 coupled to themain body 4510 having an integrated display system, with a laser rangefinder 4530 coupled to the top of the main body 4510. The viewing optic4500 can have a single auxiliary port 4535 for communication with thelaser range finder 4530.

FIGS. 47 and 48 provide depictions of a viewing optic 4700 having a mainbody 4710 with an optical system and a base 4720 coupled to the mainbody 4710 having an integrated display system. In certain embodiments,the viewing optic 4700 can have a picatinny mount 4730. In certainembodiments, the viewing optic can have an auxiliary port 4735.

V. Additional Embodiments

1. Digital Zeroing

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to method for using a digitalreticle for alignment and zeroing purposes. In one embodiment, theviewing optic has a physical reticle and a digital reticle, with thephysical reticle being connected to the erector system. The user “zeros”the physical reticle by using turrets to move the reticle and erectorsystem so that the center of the reticle coincides with the bullet pointof impact.

After the physical reticle is zeroed, the digital reticle must also bezeroed. Since the digital reticle is formed by an active or digitaldisplay that is fixed in position, the only way to zero or align thedigital reticle is by using a digital means. The digital reticleposition can be moved by the user so that the center of the digitalreticle coincides with the center of the physical reticle.

In another embodiment, digital zeroing can also be used with a laserdesignator. When used in conjunction with an external laser rangefinder, the viewing optic laser designator must be aligned with thedirection that the laser range finder is pointing. Most external laserrangefinders have a visible laser and an infrared laser. The infraredlaser is the laser that actually measures the range. The visible lasercan be turned on an off and coincides with the aim of the infraredlaser. The visible laser allows the user to see where the laser isaiming. Once the visible laser is turned on, the user can then digitallyadjust the laser designator to coincide with the point of aim of thevisible laser. Then the visible laser can be turned off and the user canuse the laser designator in the viewing optic display to ensure accurateaiming of the laser rangefinder.

2. Holographic Waveguide

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body with a first optical system and a base with active display anda holographic waveguide. In one embodiment, the integration of theholographic waveguide reduces the package size and weight of atraditional beam combining system. The integration of the holographicwaveguide can increase the overall transmitted brightness ratio, suchthat a greater percentage of each optic system light gets to the enduser.

FIG. 49 is a representative depiction of a viewing optic 4900 with anoptical system in a main body 4910 and a base 49 having an activedisplay 1210 and a holographic waveguide system 4925. The holographicwaveguide system 4925 spans the main body 4910 as well as the base 4920.A digital or active display 1210 generates an image to the collimationoptic 4930, which sends the image to the in-coming hologram waveguide4926. The image exits the waveguide via the output hologram 4927 and theimage is injected into the first focal plane 4930 of the optical system4940.

In one embodiment, the integration of the holographic waveguide reducesthe need in specialized coatings made for beam combiners. In addition,the integration of the holographic waveguide disrupts the need for amirror system, alleviating the need for complex mechanical alignmentsystems.

The integration of the holographic waveguide allows you to create a copyof the complex optical system needed to image a display, eliminating theneed for a complex system to be put into every system.

The integration of the holographic waveguide allows for the use of LCOS,LCD and OLED systems to display information within an optical system.The nature of the system allows for various types of illuminationsystems in conjunction with the different types of displays used withinthe system.

The use of a holographic waveguide allows for the implementation ofnon-static illuminated reticles. The reticles can be changed just asimages on a screen are changed. The holographic waveguide allows fordaylight bright reticle systems without the need for traditionalillumination methods.

The integration of the holographic waveguide creates the ability tocreate a non-static holographic sight. The out coupling hologram cansend light as defined by the master optical system, allowing for changesin the sight picture of a holographic sight.

The integration of a holographic waveguide can be used with anymonochromatic or polychromatic light source. The use of complexmultiplexed Bragg gratings allow for the integration of multi-chromaticillumination systems.

3. Tracking Bullet Trajectory

One of the difficulties associated with long range engagements is theability to determine the accuracy of an initial shot so that a timelycorrection can be made to improve the accuracy of the next shot. Atraditional technique used to determine the round's point of impact isto attempt to detect bullet trace and/or actual splash point of bullet.This can be difficult in many long range engagements. In the case of asniper team, the follow up shots also require feedback from the spotterto get the pertinent data back to the shooter. This can take severalseconds using only verbal communications.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can have an imaging sensor adaptedto detect image frames associated with a bullet flight path andcommunicate said image frames to a computing device, which can thencalculate bullet trajectory therefrom.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with a main body and a base with anintegrated display system can allow tracer rounds to be detected byon-board image processing capabilities so as to determine the bullet'strajectory just before it impacts the target area. In one embodiment,this data can be communicated back into a ballistics computer therebyquickly and efficiently creating a follow up firing solution for thesecond round, which can be communicated to the active display and thecorrected aiming point superimposed into the first focal plane of themain body of the viewing optic.

Automating the feedback loop with trajectory and splash point detectionby computer and combining this to the active display and superimposingan electronic aiming point correction in the first focal planeadvantageously decreases the total time required to make an accuratesecond shot. This time reduction can be at a critical point in theengagement process. After the first shot is made, the window ofopportunity to make a second shot can quickly narrow, especially ifdelays extend past the point in time when the sonic boom of the initialshot reaches the intended target.

Environmental conditions and windage drifts can have substantial impacton the ballistic trajectory of the round over large distances. Forinstance a M193 bullet can drift about 4 feet in a modest 10 mphcrosswind at 500 yards. Windage effects become even more exaggerated atgreater distances since the speed of the bullet decreases as the rangeand total time of flight increases.

A variety of tracer round options are available. A standard tracer isused conventionally by the shooter to see the trajectory of the bulletsin-flight path, A tracer round can emit light in the visible or IRspectrum depending on the composition of the tracer material. The latteris effective when the shooter is using night vision equipment. Inaddition, some tracers can emit light dimly at first and then brightenas the round travels downrange. A fuse element can control when thetracer lights up after firing of the round in order to delay ignitingthe tracer material until the bullet is well downrange. The fuse delaymitigates the risk of the tracer revealing the shooter's firinglocation.

In one embodiment, a viewing optic with an integrated display system canuse tracer rounds to detect, determine and/or display a bullet'strajectory just before it impacts the target area. In one embodiment,covert tracers that have long delay fuses and emit in the near IR region(700 nm to 1000 nm) of the electromagnetic spectrum can be used. Lightemitted in the near IR region is invisible to the human eye but can bedetected by an imaging sensor using conventional glass optics. A tracerround of this type can be particularly effective in maintaining theshooter's covertness for Sniper operations while providing a significantautomated bullet tracking capability for accurately determining nextshot correction requirements. Thus, various embodiments are adapted tocooperate with one or more types of tracer rounds to implement thefunctions described herein.

Since the imaging sensor in the daylight embodiment is also sensitive tovisible light, a standard daylight tracer can also be used for bullettracking. In both the visible and near IR cases, the tracer rounds cantake advantage of having long delay fuses to increase covertness as thesystem only needs to detect the bullet's flight in the final momentsbefore impact.

In one embodiment, a camera associated with a viewing optic can recordthe trajectory of the bullet and using the suite of sensors embeddedinto the viewing optic, it can calculate the exact geo-positionaltrajectory of the bullet, as well as the bullet's point of impact.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic may also use a stabilizedcamera to compensate for recoil from the firearm. The viewing opticwould accurately track the movement of the stabilized camera andcompensate for that movement to accurately calculate the geo-positionaltrajectory of the bullet. This embodiment would allow the shooter totrack their own trajectory and compensate for any misses moreaccurately.

In both embodiments, the geo-positional trajectory of the bullet couldthen be shared to other users who also active displays in devices theyare using, such as another riflescope, spotting scope, or goggles usinga microdisplay or holographic technology to display the trajectory intotheir field of view.

In one embodiment, the tracking of the bullet's trajectory incorporatescapturing video frame images of the glowing tracer bullet in flight. Thespatial location of the bullet in selected image frames is extractedthrough image processing techniques and then correlated with data fromother video frames to establish the bullet's trajectory.

Image frames are selected for processing based on correlation with thefiring event. When the round is fired from the weapon, the time ofmuzzle exit is immediately determined by processing accelerometer dataobtained from an on-board weapon axis accelerometer included in variousembodiments. A correlation window from the time of muzzle exit is thenstarted where various embodiments begin frame by frame processing ofvideo images to identify therein a small cluster of pixels associatedwith the tracer round at a particular X-Y position in space. The frameimages may be taken with an exposure time that is optimized to capturethe bullet as it transmits a small number of individual pixels in theX-Y frame. Since the frame rate of the camera and time of muzzle exit isknown, the bullet's distance from the weapon in each frame can beestablished using the known flight characteristic of the bullet. Thisdata is contained in the onboard tables pertinent to each weapon and itsassociated rounds or, alternatively, received from a tactical networkcommunication with the weapon sight.

If an absolute range to target is known from a laser rangefindermeasurement, the position of the round at the target range can becalculated by determining the point in the trajectory that correspondsto the target range. The elegance of this technique is that themeasurement is done from in-flight data and does not rely on bulletimpact with a physical surface. The position calculated would correspondto an angular elevation and azimuth relative to the weapon's positionand can be used to determine the ballistic pointing correction neededfor increased accuracy. As part of this next shot ballistic correctioncalculation, various embodiments use inertial pointing angle data tocalculate the relative reference point between inertial pointing angleof the gun at muzzle exit and the pointing angle at the time of splash.This allows the calculation to consider any angular movement of the gunthat occurred during the builds time of flight to target range.

4. Additional Configurations

FIG. 50 depicts an alternative embodiment of a riflescope 5000 having ascope body 5005 and a compartment or notch 5010 on the top of the scopebody 5005. The compartment 5010 has an integrated display systemcomprising an active display 5015, and collector optics 5020. Theintegrated display system is oriented such the display 5015 and thecollector optics 5020 are parallel with the beam combiner 5025. In thisembodiment, no reflective surface, such as a mirror, is needed.

FIG. 51 depicts an alternative embodiment of a viewing optic 5000 havinga scope body 5005 and a compartment or notch 5010 on the top of thescope body 5005. The compartment 5010 has an integrated display systemcomprising an active display 5105, collector optics 5110, and a mirror5115. The integrated display system is oriented such the display 5115and the collector optics 5110 are perpendicular with the beam combiner5025. In FIG. 51, the active display 5105 is closer to the ocular systemas compared to the objective system of the viewing optic.

FIG. 52 depicts an alternative embodiment of a viewing optic 5000 havinga scope body 5005 and a compartment or notch 5010 on the top of thescope body 5005. The compartment 5010 has an integrated display systemcomprising an active display 5105, collector optics 5110, and a mirror5115. The integrated display system is oriented such the display 5105and the collector optics 5110 are perpendicular with the beam combiner5025. In FIG. 52, the active display 5105 is closer to the objectivesystem as compared to the ocular system of the viewing optic.

The images generated from the active display 5105 can be directed to themirror 5115 combined with the images of the scene viewed by the viewerthrough the viewing optics with a beam combiner 5025 in the scope body5005 for simultaneously superimposing or overlaying the generated imagesand the viewed images, wherein the combined image is injected into thefirst focal plane. Because the beam combiner 5025 is positioned beforethe first focal plane, and the combined image is focused on the firstfocal plane, the displayed image and the viewed image do not move inrelation to one another. This is a major advancement compared to devicesthat inject the image into the second focal plane.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the viewing optic has a scopebody and a separable base having an active display and collector optics,with the active display and the collector optics being parallel with thebeam combiner. In this embodiment, no reflective surface, such as amirror, is needed. The base couples to the bottom of the main body ofthe viewing optic.

The images generated from the micro display can be combined with theimages of the scene viewed by the viewer through the viewing optics witha beam combiner in the scope body for simultaneously superimposing oroverlaying the generated images and the viewed images, wherein thecombined image is injected into the first focal plane. Because the beamcombiner is positioned before the first focal plane, and the combinedimage is focused on the first focal plane, the displayed image and theviewed image do not move in relation to one another. This is a majoradvancement compared to devices that inject the image into the secondfocal plane.

The optic sight and methods disclosed herein can be a display or viewingapparatus, device, sight, or scope, which can be for or on, or part of aweapon, gun, rifle, laser target locater, range finder, or as an add-onaccessory thereto. Embodiments can be mounted on a weapon, or apparatus,or can be hand held or helmet mounted.

V. Viewing Optic with Advanced Reticle Features

A. Active Display Pattern Based on Magnification Setting

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body and a base with an integrated display system, wherein theactive display of the integrated display system generates multiplereticle patterns that are projected into the first focal plane of thefield of view.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body and a base with an integrated display system, wherein anactive display of the integrated display system generates a reticlepattern based on magnification level.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body with one or more sensors that can track or monitor themagnification level of the optic and a base with an integrated displaysystem, wherein an active display of the integrated display systemgenerates a reticle pattern based on magnification level. Depending onthe magnification level, the active display system can generatedifferent reticle patterns that are optimized for different opticalmagnification levels. In one embodiment, the active display of theintegrated display system can automatically switch between reticlepatterns based on the magnificent level.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemcan project digital features or aim points that are optimized for thespecific magnification setting being used.

In one embodiment, the main body of the viewing optic has a sensorassociated with a magnification adjustment mechanism of the sightingdevice to produce a signal indicative of an adjustment of the opticalmagnification of the viewing optic. The viewing optic further includesan electronic controller in communication with the sensor and the activedisplay of the integrated display system. The electronic controller inresponse to the signal produced by the sensor, communicates to theactive display to generate a reticle pattern, which is viewable throughan eyepiece in a field of view thereof superimposed upon an image of adistant object.

In some embodiments, the electronic controller and active display areconfigured to produce a first reticle pattern, such as a close-quartersreticle pattern, in response to the signal indicating a firstmagnification setting; and, in response to the signal indicating asecond magnification setting greater than the first magnificationsetting, the electronic controller and active display may produce asecond reticle pattern that is distinct from the first reticle pattern.For example, the second reticle pattern may be a long-range reticlepattern, such as a sniper reticle.

In some embodiments, the sensor may include an electro-mechanical oroptical digital encoder (which may be rotational or linear), apotentiometer, a combination of one or more magnets and one or more halleffect sensors, or other suitable device operable for sensing theposition or movement of the magnification adjustment mechanism andproducing a corresponding electrical signal. In one embodiment, thesensor and described in FIGS. 69 and 70.

In one embodiment, the active display is not in the main body of theviewing optic.

In one embodiment, one or more reticle patterns can be selected fromincluding but not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and greater than 20. In one embodiment, theviewing optic with an integrated display system can chose between atleast 10, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40 or at least 50reticle patterns.

In one embodiment, the active display of the integrated display systemprojects reticle patterns into the first focal plane of the field ofview that are based on specific magnification settings. Upon a change inmagnification setting, the reticle pattern generated from the activedisplay switches so that the aim point is immediately useful for theoperator. The switching of the reticle can be based on the magnificationsetting.

As way of example, and not to be limited, at a 1× magnification setting,the active display can generate a small center dot that is projectedinto the first focal plane. Upon a magnification change to 8×, theactive display generates a cross hair pattern with long range hold overdots that are projected into the first focal plane. The sensordetermines a change in magnification, which is communicated to acontroller, which changes the reticle pattern of the active display.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemprojects information and aim points that are designed to aid theoperator in engaging targets at short and long ranges. In oneembodiment, multiple “pages” of information or reticle patterns can bedesigned and loaded into the system and different pages can be displayeddepending upon the magnification setting.

In one embodiment, the reticle pattern from the active display isprojected onto an etched reticle of the first focal plane. Projectingthe digital reticle onto an etched or fixed reticle provides necessaryprotection in the event of a system failure.

FIG. 53 is a representative depiction of a Close Quarter Battle reticle5300 at 1× magnification. The thick arched lines 5305, the primaryhorizontal line 5307, the primary vertical line 5309, numbers and arrowsare components of an etched reticle. The center dot 5310 is generatedfrom an active display of an integrated display system. This type ofreticle is used for close quarter battle; the center dot represents afast target acquisition aim point.

FIG. 54 is a schematic representation of the reticle from FIG. 53 butwith the magnification setting of the viewing optic at 8×. As can beseen, the center dot 5310 being projected from the active display hasbecome obtrusively large under 8× magnification.

FIG. 55 is a representative depiction of a reticle pattern 5500 thatprovides useful information when the viewing optic is set at amagnification setting of 8×. The thick arched lines 5502, the primaryhorizontal line 5504, the primary vertical line 5506, numbers and arrowsrepresent the etched reticle. The center aim point 5510, the 6ballistically compensated windage dots 5520, and the square in the upperleft 5530, which represents a rangefinder designator displaying ahypothetical range to target are components generated by the activedisplay.

FIG. 56 is a representative depiction of the rectile pattern 5500 at alow magnification setting.

With references to FIGS. 53-56, when the optical magnification settingis at 1×, the reticle pattern 5300 includes etched reticle features5305, 5307, and 5309 as well as a first set of multiple marks 5310 (suchas a circle and/or an aiming dot) generated from the active display andprojected onto the first focal plane reticle. Preferably, the reticlepattern 5300 formed at least in part by the first set of marks 5310, isa type of close-quarters reticle (CQB reticle) having minimal marks toprovide a less cluttered viewable area, such as illustrated in FIG. 53.

When the optical magnification setting is increased, an electroniccontroller and the active display (in response to a signal received froma sensor, including but not limited to the sensor described in FIGS. 69and 70) replace/alter/change the first reticle pattern with a second setof multiple marks, which form (at least in part) a second reticlepattern 5500 that is distinct from the first reticle pattern 5300 andwhich typically includes at least some different functionality.

For instance, the second reticle pattern may include different aimingfeatures and additional marks, such as relating to estimating distance,calculating windage and elevation adjustments, or other suitable markscommonly used in ranging reticles such as shown in FIG. 55.

It can be seen therefore, that creating multiple “pages” of features andreticle patterns for the active display, storing them in a memorysystem, and automatically switching between the reticle patter s as theoperator changes magnification settings on the viewing optic will beextremely useful.

B. Active BDC Reticle

Ballistic Drop Compensating (BDC) reticles are designed to have hashmarks located on the portion of the vertical cross hair that is locatedbelow the horizontal cross hair. These hash marks are designed atspecific distances to try and closely match a specific or set ofspecific ballistic profiles.

However, the current BDC reticle designs are fixed designs. This isbecause the reticles are made using wire, metal, or etched on glass.Once the reticle is made and installed in the riflescope it can't bechanged without taking the reticle out and installing a new one, whichcan only be practically accomplished by sending the scope back to themanufacturer.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body with an optical system and a base having an integrated displaysystem with an active display that can generate a BDC reticle that canbe changed manually by the user at any time, or even automatically bythe software and sensors of the viewing optic in real time.

To generate the BDC reticle for the viewing optic disclosed herein, theriflescope can be programmed for the specific ballistic profile of therifle and the to be fired cartridge. Second, the viewing optic hassensors, as described above, such as temperature, pressure, humidity,cant angle, inclination angle, that can aid in giving real time updatesto the BDC reticle so that it is as accurate as possible for allconditions. This allows the BDC reticle to be custom tailored to eachrifle and the specific shooting conditions.

The BDC reticle generated in real-time by the active display allows theshooter to have an accurate system for shooting at various distancesaccurately and quickly.

As shown in FIG. 57, the reticle 5700 has standard etch and fillportions including a primary horizontal line 5702, a primary verticalline 5704, and numerical markings and hash marks along the primary andvertical crosshairs. Reticle 5700 also has patterns and marks generatedby the active display and projected onto the first focal plane reticle.The active display marks in the form of a BDC reticle include thenumerical markings 5710 (100-900 on the vertical axis in quadrants 3 and4). As this portion is projected from the digital display, it can beupdated in real time.

In addition to an active BDC reticle, there are times where auser/shooter might find themselves in a position where they areproviding cover for other individuals in an area where targets maypresent themselves quickly and at varying ranges. An example might be asniper who is on top of a building looking down an alley or a road thathas cross streets or doorways. The active display can be used inconjunction with a variety of sensors embedded into the riflescope, suchas compass, cant angle, inclination angle, GPS, etc. to be able toaccurately determine the direction the riflescope is pointed.

Using a viewing optic having environmental sensors, an integrateddisplay system having an active display for generating and projecting aBDC reticle into the first focal plane, and a rangefinder, a user willbe able to range known landmarks, such as doors, windows, cars, etc. anduse the controller and active display to place a range marker on thoselandmarks. These range markers are projected into the first focal planeand visible through the viewing optic. The environmental sensors allowthe user to move the viewing optic around to view other targets, but therange markers would remain on the targets.

FIG. 58 is a representative image of a BDC reticle generated by theactive display and projected onto a first focal plane reticle, withrange to potential targets indicated. A viewing optic having a main bodywith environmental sensors and a base having an integrated displaysystem with an active display for generating a BDC reticle will allowthe user to mark multiple targets in one or more areas with distanceindications on the target markers. Then, if a target were to presentitself near a target marker, the user would be able to quickly identifythe range to the target without having to range the target. The user canthen employ the active BDC reticle to quickly hold in the correctlocation to engage the target.

C. Reticle Compensated for Firearm Cant

In a traditional riflescope, when shooting long range, it is importantthat the firearm and scope are level when taking a shot. When a bullettravels over a long distance, the bullet is affected by gravity to adegree that the shooter must consider. Gravity pulls the bullet towardsthe ground in a consistent direction creating “bullet drop.” Shooterscompensate for this bullet drop by aiming higher than their target sothat by the time the bullet reaches the target, it has dropped to theappropriate height, such that it hits the target.

FIG. 59 is a representative depiction of cant angle. It can be clearlyseen that the triangle is a right triangle with the 10° angle at the topand the right angle at the bottom. The 10 milliradian leg has become theside of the triangle that is the hypotenuse and represents a cantedvertical section of crosshair. However, gravity is acting on thevertical leg of the triangle.

Using trigonometry, the length of the vertical leg can be solved withthe following equation: Cos 10°=x/10 milliradians. Solving for x resultsin a value of 9.85 milliradians. So, in this example, while theuser/shooter may have held or dialed 10 milliradians, they onlycompensated for a 9.85 milliradian shot. At long range, this is easilyenough to miss the target.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system that uses an active display to generate areticle that can compensates for cant of the firearm. The user canseamlessly shoot at distance without having to worry about cant angle.

In a traditional riflescope the reticle is a physical cross hair that iseither metal, wire, or a pattern that is permanently etched on glass.This means that the cant of the reticle is always fixed. However, withthe active display technology for generating a real-time reticle, byoverlaying a digital reticle onto the passive image, the digital reticlecan be changed at any time. In one embodiment, the viewing optic has aninternal cant sensor that can instantly orient the reticle generated bythe active display to compensate for cant angle.

FIG. 60 is a representative depiction of a reticle 6000 with marks andpatterns oriented for cant and generated by an active display of anintegrated display system. The primary horizontal line 6002 and theprimary vertical line 6004 are provided by the passive or etched orfixed reticle. The aiming point generated by the active reticle 6020compensates for cant and is projected or overlaid onto the passivereticle. The pivot point 6010 is at the center of the reticle. In thiscase, an electronic controller/micro-controller would use theinformation gathered from cant angle and inclination angle sensors andapply software logic and communicate with the active display to adjustthe generated image aiming point 6020 to reflect the new zero position,associated geometry and hold points that correspond to the orientationof the firearm at that point in time. The user would shoot off thedigital reticle generated by the active display, instead of the passiveor fixed reticle.

In another embodiment, the active display of the integrated displaysystem can generate a digital reticle that compensates for cant, as wellas for shooting at an inclined or decline angle, by adjusting the aimpoint up or down on the digital reticle. This would eliminate the needfor a cosine indicator, which is often used to compensate for shootingin these types of situations.

D. Digital Reticle with Wind Drift Indicators

In a traditional riflescope, reticles that have wind indicators areusually a glass etched reticle. Often these reticles will have a gridpattern or rows of dots to allow the user to have a reference point touse to aim with and compensate for wind speed. The problem with thesereticles is that they are fixed in shape and size, since they arephysically and permanently etched onto a piece of glass.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body and a base with an integrated display system having an activedisplay for generating a digital reticle that uses wind drift indicatorsthat compensate for the range to target. In one embodiment, the digitalreticle is overlaid onto a passive reticle. By using a digital reticlethat is overlaid on a passive reticle, the viewing optic can have areticle that can adapt real-time wind holds to the ballistics, range,and environment of the specific situation.

Typically, the longer the range, the more effect a crosswind has on abullet. By using a digital reticle, the wind holds can be spread outmore as the distance increases to compensate for wind values at thespecific range for the target.

FIG. 61 is a representative depiction of a reticle 6100. Multiplecomponents or markers are provided by the passive reticle including theprimary horizontal crosshair 6102 and the primary vertical crosshair6104. The active display of the integrated display system generated andprojects a target that was ranged at 500 yards 6105 and wind holds 6110for the specific conditions. The end of the secondary horizontal line(across the main vertical line) would equal a 5 mph wind drift, the nextdot would be 10 mph, and the outer most dot would be 15 mph. The imagesgenerated from the active display 6105 and 6110 are overlaid onto thepassive reticle.

FIG. 62 is a representative depiction of a reticle 6200. Multiplecomponents or markers are provided by the passive reticle including theprimary horizontal crosshair 6202 and the primary vertical crosshair6204. The active display of the integrated display system generated andprojects a target that was ranged at 1000 yards 6210 and wind holds 6220for the specific conditions. The end of the horizontal line (across themain vertical line) would equal a 5 mph wind drift, the next dot wouldbe 10 mph, and the outer most dot would be 15 mph. The images generatedfrom the active display 6210 and 6220 are overlaid onto the passivereticle. It can be seen that the secondary horizontal line 6220 extendswider, and the wind dots are spread further to the sides compared to the500 yard (FIG. 61) solution to compensate for additional wind driftinduced when the bullet travels a longer distance.

E. Reticle with Center Grid for Second Shot Correction

In the past, passive reticles have been designed to allow the shooter tohave many reference points for shooting in varying conditions andvarying ballistics. However, since the variety of conditions andballistics vary so widely, these reticles have tended to have manyfeatures on them, such as grids of lines or dots, that cause the reticleto appear cluttered, or busy to the user.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a reticle system comprisinga digital reticle generated with an active display overlaid a passivereticle. The use of the digital reticle allows information to be shownas needed and as appropriate, which eliminates the need for certaininformation to be displayed on the passive reticle, thereby providing acleaner or more easily discerned passive reticle.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having apassive or analog reticle that is designed to work most efficiently inconjunction with an active reticle. The active reticle technology allowsthe viewing optic to do the complicated calculations and display aballistic solution for the user. Typically, the ballistic solution willnot be in the center of the field of view or the center of the passivereticle cross hair. This gives the user the option to either hold overcenter on the ballistic solution, or to dial the turrets until theballistic solution is in the center of the field of view and in thecenter of the passive cross hair to take the shot.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with ananalog and digital reticle that will allow the shooter to mosteffectively and efficiently make a second shot correction, whileminimally obstructing their field of view like previous passive reticleshave done, which use extensive grids of lines and dots.

FIG. 63 is a representative depiction of a wide angle view of a reticle6300 at low magnification. A less obtrusive row of dots is used belowthe horizontal cross hair. This passive reticle can be used as a backup,in the event the active display cannot be generated because the batterypower or electronics of the viewing optic fail.

FIG. 64 is a representative depiction of a close-up view of the centerportion of the reticle 6400. FIG. 64 provides a view at highermagnification. This image shows a small grid 6410 generated by theactive display of the integrated display system, which is located at thecenter of the reticle. This will allow the user to make accuratemeasurements of first shot impact location to make accurate second shotcorrections.

In one embodiment, the grid 6410 generated by the active display iswider than it is tall. This is specifically designed since calculatingelevation of an impact is more accurate than estimating wind drift of afirst shot. In this embodiment, the small plus features of the smallgrid are not illuminated but are very fine features, which allow veryprecise measurement.

The active or digital reticle should get the first shot very close,therefore, the center grid can be much smaller than a typical passivereticle, which requires an extensive grid that covers a significantportion of the field of view below the horizontal cross hair.

VI. Auto Brightness Adjustment

As discussed throughout the application, the integrated display systemallows digital images generated by an active display to be overlaid ontop an image of an outward scene. This active display is injected intothe image of the outward scene using illuminated portions of thedisplay. For the display to be most usable it is desirable to have ahigh contrast ratio between the brightness of the passive scene and theilluminated display such that both can be easily seen. If the display istoo dim the user will not be able to see it. If the display is toobright the display will overpower the passive scene.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to viewing optic having a mainbody with an integrated display system and a light sensor that candetect the specific target brightness and compensate for it.

FIG. 71 provides a representative schematic of a viewing optic 7000 witha main body 7005 and a base coupled to the main body 7010. The main body7005 has an optical system for viewing an image of an outward scene anda beam combiner 7020 with a photo sensor 7025 and a light filter 7030located above the beam combiner 7020. This allows the photo sensor tolook directly at the target scene, without creating an obstruction inthe field of view. The base 7010 has an integrated display system 7015having an active display for generating an image that is projected intothe first focal plane of the viewing optic.

The photo sensor 7025 and light filter 7030 generate a high contrastratio between the brightness of the image of the outward scene and thegenerated image from the active display.

In one embodiment, the transmission band of the filter in front of thephoto sensor can be tuned to be narrow enough so that only thebrightness of the target will be measured and the additional light fromthe display system will not be measured, which would distort themeasurement.

VII. Viewing Optic with Auto-Ranging Capabilities

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system that incorporates the use of a camera to aidin an auto-ranging. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to asystem comprising a viewing optic with an integrated display system, acamera to aid in an auto-ranging, and a laser range finder.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having anintegrated display system and a camera that incorporates imagerecognition technology. The systems and methods disclosed herein greatlyincrease the speed of acquiring a target solution and eliminate the needof a button press that may affect point of aim. In addition, the systemsand methods disclosed herein integrate artificial intelligence into thesystem to determine the quality of the ranged target solution.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic has a camera that incorporatesimage recognition technology. In one embodiment, the camera can beattached to either the viewing optic having an integrated display systemor a firearm and would point towards the point of aim of the riflescope.

In one embodiment, the camera has artificial intelligence to detect atarget and communicate with an active display of the integrated displaysystem to highlight the target. In another embodiment, the artificialintelligence system can be incorporated into the viewing optic. In oneembodiment, the artificial intelligence system can be located in thebase coupled to the main body of the viewing optic.

In another embodiment, a thermal imaging camera lacking imagerecognition technology can be used. This would allow the thermal imageto be communicated to the active display and overlaid onto the image ofan outward scene in the viewing optic. The viewing optic could beprogrammed to only display “hot spots” of interest. For example, hotspots that indicate human heat, or vehicle heat, etc. Eliminatingartificial intelligence will greatly reduce the power consumed by thesystem. In addition, all appropriate hot spots would appear in the fieldof view of the viewing optic, allowing the user to evaluate each one todetermine if the target was valid or not.

After identifying a valid target, the user would simply move the viewingoptic so that the LRF designator in the FOV was over top of the desiredhot spot. Once the LRF designator was aligned with the hot spot, thesystem would automatically trigger the LRF to take a range at that hotspot. After taking a range, the viewing optic could either display ahold point for the range of the target or could simply show the rangeand the user could use the Active BDC mode and hold on the active BDCreticle for the appropriate measured range to the target.

An additional capability to the system is that it could automaticallydetect if the hot spot remained within the LRF designator long enough toget a valid range. If not, it would wait to display a range until thehot spot remained within the LRF designator the appropriate length oftime to achieve a valid target acquisition before displaying a solution.This would eliminate the second problem with pressing a button.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to the technology and methodof using an overlaid camera image projected into the first focal planeof a viewing optic and using that image in conjunction with a LRFdesignator to automatically range a target.

VIII. Viewing Optic with a Photosensor to Conserve Power

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system and a power saving system. In one embodiment,the power saving system is located in a base coupled to the main body ofthe viewing optic. In one embodiment, the power saving system comprisesa proximity sensor. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor is incommunication with a microcontroller.

In one embodiment, the power saving system can be used to place theviewing optic in a sleep or standby mode when a user/operator is notlooking through the optic. In one embodiment, the systems and mechanismscan wake or activate the viewing optic when a user/operator is detectedbehind the eyepiece of the optic.

Current methods of putting the electronics to sleep or into standby areby using a “time out” feature, which is disadvantageous if the optic isbeing used for Close Quarter Battle work since the optic must stay onfor an indeterminate amount of time as long as there is an operatorlooking through it. An accelerometer can also be used to detect motionand thus turn the system on. The disadvantage of that method is that ifan operator is doing observation then the gun may have very littlemovement for long periods of time and thus go to sleep, even though theoperator is still looking through the optic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a system to conservebattery power by turning on the viewing optic when there is an operatordetected behind an eyepiece of the optic.

In one embodiment, the power saving system can be used in anyelectro-optics compatible with implementing a proximity sensor that iswithin a few inches of where the operator's face will be when using theoptic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body and a base coupled to the main body, wherein the base has awindow in the back of the base toward eyepiece.

In one embodiment, the base has a proximity sensor installed into acarrier and the carrier is installed into the window located at the endof the base toward the eyepiece. The proximity sensor can communicate asignal to a microcontroller in the base or main body when the proximitysensor detects a reflection that is within a few inches of the window.The distance at which an object will activate the sensor can be adjustedeither at the factory or a software option can be built into the userinterface to allow the operator to either adjust the sensitivity of thesensor or disable/enable the auto sleep/standby feature.

FIG. 72 is a representative depiction of a viewing optic 7200 having abase 7205. The base 7205 has a window 7210 located toward the eyepieceof the main body of the viewing optic. A proximity sensor and carrier7215 are located in the window 7210, which is located below theeyepiece.

FIGS. 73 and 74 are representative depictions of a viewing optic 7200having a base with with a power saving system, with the viewing opticmounted on a rifle. It can be seen that an operators face will be withina few inches of the back of the optic. The sensor 7215 in the base 7205of the viewing optic 7200 will detect a reflection from the operator'sface, thus waking the optic up from a sleep mode. When the operatorremoves his/her head from the view position, the sensor will no longersee a reflection and will put the viewing optic into a sleep or standbymode.

IX. Viewing Optic with Power Rail

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having amain body and a base with an integrated display system, wherein theviewing optic can be powered by an external power source that is housedin the host firearm. In one embodiment, the viewing optic has a mainbody and a base coupled to the main body, wherein electrical pins arebuilt into the base to provide power from the firearm to the viewingoptic. In another embodiment, the viewing optic can be powered by thefirearm using electrical pins that are built into the remote keypadassembly.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and systems toprovide additional power for extended periods of time to the viewingoptic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with a mainbody and a base coupled to the main body, wherein the base has PCBs thatare being used to control a display, sensors, and user interface of theviewing optic. In one embodiment, the base has power input pins thatprotrude through the base and contact a power pad. In one embodiment,the power pad is built into a Picatinny rail.

In one embodiment, the PCBs are located in a position that allowsinteraction with the input pins. In one embodiment, the pins are sealedagainst the base of the riflescope to keep the interior of theriflescope protected from the environment.

FIGS. 75 and 76 are representative depictions of a viewing optic 7500having a main body and a base 7510 with power pins 7520 protrudingthrough the base 7510 of the viewing optic 7500.

FIG. 77 is a representative side profile of viewing optic 7500 showingthe power pins 7520 protruding through the base 7510 of the viewingoptic 7500.

FIG. 78 is a representative view of the side profile of viewing optic7500 with the base of the viewing optic made transparent to show thepower pins 7520 which that are attached to the built in PCBs 7530.

In another embodiment, power supplied by the picatinny rail on thefirearm could be delivered to the viewing optic through a remote keypad,which is used to control the viewing optic. In this scenario, the powerpins are connected to the PCB that is in the remote keypad and theyprotrude through the built in recoil lug in the remote keypad housing.Power is then sent through two dedicated lines in the cable into thebase of the riflescope.

FIG. 79 is a representative image of the top of the remote keypad 7900.

FIG. 80 is a representative side profile of the remote keypad 7900showing power pins 8010 protruding through the built in recoil lug.

FIG. 81 is a representative bottom view of the remote keypad 7900showing the 2 power pins 8010 protruding out of the remote recoil lug.

FIG. 82 is a representative bottom view of the remote keypad 7900 withthe cover made transparent to show the PCB 8205 inside of the remotebody.

X. Viewing Optice with a Single Keypad with Multiple Functions

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a system comprising aviewing optic having an integrated display system and a remote keypadsystem with more than one function per keypad button. In one embodiment,the remote keypad can control more than one aspect of functionality ofthe viewing optic, i.e. more than one function per button. In oneembodiment, the function of the button depends on the state of either acontrol signal or software bit.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a remote keypad thatexpands the control that a user/operator has over a viewing optic and/orauxiliary devices that are used with the viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a keypad for a viewingoptic and/or one or more auxiliary devices that are used with theviewing optic. In one embodiment, more than one function is assigned toa single button of the keypad, wherein the desired function can bedetermined with a software bit or a separate mechanical switch. This cansignificantly increase the functionality of the viewing optic.

In one representative embodiment, in a first mode, a button can changethe brightness of the display and in a second mode, the same button canactivate an infrared pointer on the system. Using the same button formore than one function keeps the remote keypad small and simple with theminimal number of buttons required.

FIG. 83 is a representative depiction of a keypad with three buttons. Aremote keypad associated with a viewing optic has 3 buttons. The topbutton 8305 is used to increase the brightness of the display, themiddle button 8310 is used to fire the laser rangefinder to range atarget and the bottom button 8315 is used to decrease the brightness ofthe display. The functionality of each button depends on the mode ofoperation.

In one embodiment, the keypad can have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ormore than 10 modes of operation. In one embodiment, the keypad can be incommunication with a processor setting from 10 to 50 modes of operationfor the keypad. By way of example, a keypad in communication with aprocessor having 10 modes of operation for the keypad, would provide 10functions for each button, with the functionality determined by the modeof operation.

Several methods can be used to change the functionality of the buttons.In one embodiment, when a user/operator presses and holds a button onthe remote for a period of time, the micro controller changes thefunction of one or more buttons. In one embodiment, an operator canpress and hold one of the 3 buttons for a prolonged period of time, forexample, 1 second, and this will signal the micro controller inside ofthe viewing optic to change a bit that assigns new functions to thebuttons. In one embodiment, pressing and holding the top button 8305 fora period of time can set mode A, pressing and holding the middle button8310 for a period of time can set mode B, and pressing and holding thebottom button 8315 for a period of time can set mode C. Varying the timeeach button is engaged can activate further modes of operation. Forexample, holding button 8305 for five seconds can active mode A,engaging button 8305 five quick taps can active mode F.

In another embodiment, the functionality of the remote keypad buttonscan be changed is through a separate mechanical switch on the viewingoptic. In one embodiment, a mechanical switch can have 3 distinctpositions, which are in communication with 3 separate bits or programsin the micro controller. These bits or programs can be used to assignvarious functions to the remote keypad buttons.

A representative example is shown in FIG. 84. The viewing optic has aswitch 8400 in communication with a remote keypad 8300. A first setting8405 can assign the top button 8305 of a remote keypad 8300 the functionto increase display brightness, the middle button 8310 could fire thelaser rangefinder, and the bottom button 8315 could decrease displaybrightness. When the mechanical switch 8400 is set to a second setting8410, the function of the top 8305 and bottom buttons 8315 can beprogrammed to turn on and off auxiliary pointing lasers on the viewingoptic and the middle button 8310 can still be programmed to fire thelaser rangefinder. When the mechanical switch 8400 is set to a thirdsetting 8415, the functions of the 3 buttons could be altered again. Forinstance, if the viewing optic is equipped with a digital magneticcompass and location and landmark data was saved to the memory of amicro controller then information about the position of objects could bedisplayed inside of the field of view of the viewing optic (augmentedreality data).

In one embodiment, the keypad is in commination with a processor of theviewing optic that allows varying modes of operation to be assigned toeach button or switch of the keypad. For example, in one mode ofoperation, the buttons of the keypad have specific functions for markinga target of interest. The operator can use the laser rangefinder torange a target and, use the heading data from a digital magnetic compassto “mark” a target of interest inside the field of view. The buttons onthe keypad could be assigned functions that are specifically suited forthis task.

The center button on the keypad could be used to fire the laserrangefinder to range the target. Once the target is ranged, the top andbottom buttons could be used to select from a predefined list ofdescriptors to label the target, e.g. “landmark,” “friendly,” “hostile,”“unknown” etc. Once the operator is done with this action, themechanical switch can be changed to quickly assign functions back to theremote keypad buttons that allow the operator to change brightnesssettings, activate an infrared laser, or obtain a ballistic solution fora target downrange.

XII. Viewing Optic with a Relative Coordinate Mapping System

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to technology and a method ofusing a viewing optic with an integrated display system to accuratelytag and track targets using a relative coordinate mapping system, and/ordrone technology.

Soldiers need to be able to accurately identify the location of enemytargets and to share that location with other soldiers, close airsupport, etc, and to be able to see those targets easily by having themoverlaid into the field of view of their primary optic. The most obviousway to achieve this is using a combination of GPS, compass heading,altitude, inclination, and range finding sensors. However, there aredisadvantages in relying on GPS, such as GPS signals require direct lineof sight to the GPS satellite, which may not always be possible. Usingrelative coordinate technology and/or the use of drones, the need forGPS can be diminished. Relative Coordinate Technology becomes feasiblewhen used in conjunction with a viewing optic having an integrateddisplay system.

In one embodiment, a user would be able to point the viewing optic withan integrated display system at a landmark or target and “tag” it. Ifthe user “tagged” several targets, then a relative location map could becreated from the tagged targets. These tagged targets could betransmitted to a viewing optic of other users, who would see thosetagged targets displayed in the field of view. All this target datawould then be stored locally in one or memory devices in the viewingoptic.

In one embodiment, the user could also use drones either as analternative to tagging targets, or as a supplement to tagging targets.This would work by launching a “cloud” of many small or micro dronesthat would contain cameras and the appropriate sensors to fly over abattlefield and begin tagging and marking landmarks. The drones couldshare that information with each other and back to the users who wouldhave it displayed in the active display of their viewing optic.

By using relative coordinate technology and/or a cloud of drones, thedisadvantages of GPS can be overcome:

-   -   With multiple users and multiple viewing optics, there becomes        an inherent redundancy in the stored target data. When using a        cloud of drones, that redundancy can be increased even further.        With redundancy, it becomes much less likely that a signal or        data would be lost.    -   GPS requires sending and receiving data over very long distances        to and from satellites in orbit. By using other users who are in        the same battle space, or a cloud of drones in the same battle        space, the network is much closer to the users and target, which        increases the accuracy of the user and target coordinates.    -   GPS is much easier to block, since there are a limited number of        GPS satellites. With a cloud of users and/or drones, it becomes        much harder to block all the signals and creates more        redundancy.    -   Eliminating the need for a GPS module makes the viewing optic        less bulky.

XIII. Viewing Optic with Ammunition Status Indicator

When shooting in high stress scenarios, shooters can easily lose trackof how many rounds are left in the firearm. Currently, there is no easyor convenient method to determine the number of rounds remaining in afirearm magazine while holding the firearm in a firing position. Amechanical counter may be added or integrated into the magazine, butchecking a mechanical counter requires a shooter to look away from hissights and/or target to check the round count. Other current methods andsystems for determining the number of rounds in a magazine require theshooter to lose his sight picture, physically check the magazine, orotherwise disrupt his stance or position.

Some magazines are clear or have clear windows to show the remainingrounds, but the shooter needs to break their shooting position toobserve the level. Additionally, the remaining rounds can be obscured bya grip or receiver. In military environments, some shooters have loadedtracer rounds as the final rounds in a magazine to indicate that themagazine they are using is almost empty, but this can reveal a shootersposition and requires the use of specific rounds.

Other methods and systems have tried to address this issue by placing adigital read-out on a grip, but these read-outs both project light backat the shooter and are often placed in areas where the shooter mustbreak concentration from a sight picture to see the remaining rounds.Sometimes the read-out is an attachment to an existing firearmcomponent, other times the shooter is required to replace a part, like agrip, to have the read-out mounted on the weapon. Some read-outs areeven mounted to the bottom of a magazine, which can be considered adisposable or semi disposable item in some military applications, a moreexpensive item.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system that allows the user/shooter to monitorammunition status. The ammunition status can be projected into a firstfocal plane and combined with the images of the outward scene.Proactively conducting or preparing for a magazine change better allowsthe shooter to reload at a time of their choosing rather than at a suboptimal time dictated by an empty weapon and magazine.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a round counter system. Inone embodiment, the round counter system comprises one or more magnetsin a magazine or another ammunition feed device and a sensor on or in aweapon to count the rounds in a magazine. In one embodiment, the sensorcan be in a remote that is mounted to a weapons magazine well to countthe final rounds in a magazine. The information is then displayed viathe active display and projected into a first focal plane of the opticssystem providing simultaneous viewing of the generated image (roundindicator/round status) and images of the outward scene when lookingthrough an eyepiece of the viewing optic.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemand a round counter system can be used by military, law enforcement,competition or civilian shooters to indicate they have a specific numberof rounds remaining without the user having to break their sight picturethrough the optic. Further, the shooter is aware of the final rounds inthe magazine without breaking their concentration from the sight picturewithin the optic and remain engaged with the target more continually. Italso better provides the shooter the opportunity to proactively prepareor conduct a magazine change. Proactively conducting or preparing for amagazine change provides the shooter an opportunity to reload at a timeof their choosing rather than at a potentially sub optimal time. As usedherein, the terms round counter system and ammunition status indicatorare used interchangeably.

In one embodiment, the round counter system can include a chamber statusindicator, thereby acting as a safety notice by telling the user thereis a round in the chamber. This could be particularly useful on abullpup weapon as it can be difficult to visually inspect the chamber onsome weapon designs.

Additionally, the system adds minimal weight as it could use largelyexisting hardware and would not require substantial or expensivemodifications to the weapon or the weapon's magazine.

In one embodiment, the round counter system can either be entirelyintegrated into a weapon system or it could be a minor and inexpensivemodification to an existing weapon system.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system having an active display and a round countersystem that projects ammunition status or a round count into the firstfocal plane of the viewing optic.

The round counter system disclosed herein differs from prior disclosedapparatuses that use recoil impulses to determine the number of roundsleft a magazine. Previously disclosed apparatuses typically require theuser to hit a button, or perform another action, to tell the system theyhave loaded a new magazine. Additionally, prior disclosed systems onlycount down from a set number. Thus, if the user loads a 30 roundcapacity magazine, and it only has 7 rounds, the previously discloseddevices may read that the user has 30 rounds available. This could leadto very dangerous results. By contrast, the round counter systemdisclosed herein would read the number of rounds remaining in a magazineand would not be dependent on counting down rounds. The result of thisis that the user could insert a partially loaded magazine and see theexact number of rounds they have.

In one embodiment, the round counter disclosed herein is independent ofcounting down mechanism.

In one embodiment, the round counter system comprises one or moremagnets in an ammunition feeding device, and magnetic sensors on or in afirearm. As rounds are fired, the magnets move and interface with themagnetic sensors. Signals are sent from the sensor to a processing unitconfigured to communicate with an integrated display system inside aviewing optic. The remaining rounds in the ammunition feeding device aredetermined based on the location of the magnets to the sensors. Theround counter system disclosed herein is configured to communicate withthe integrated display system, which will then display to the user thenumber of remaining rounds without the user having to breakconcentration from their sight picture.

FIG. 91 depicts one representative magazine follower 9110 and magazine9130 that can be used in the round counter system disclosed herein. Asshown in FIG. 91, one or more directional magnets 9120 is placed in therear of the of a magazine follower 9110. The magnetic field is projectedoutside of the magazine 9130 perpendicular to the rounds in the magazine9130 so that the magnetic field does not interfere with the feeding orloading of steel cased or armor piercing steel or other magneticallyaffected tips.

FIG. 92 depicts one representative sensor that can be used with theround counter system disclosed herein. As rounds are fed through themagazine 9130, the follower 9110, and therefore the included one or moremagnets 9120, is raised by a spring as each round is stripped from themagazine 9130. Sensors, such as Hall effect sensors 9210, on a circuitboard 9220 are located on the receiver 9230 of the firearm to detect themagnetic fields, to detect the changes in strength of the field and todetect the changing position of the magnetic field.

In one embodiment, the sensors then send signals to a processing unitthat is used to correlate the height of the follower within the magazinewith the number of remaining rounds. The processing unit is configuredto send information to an active display in a viewing optic, whichprojects this information into the first focal plane of the optics trainin the main body of the viewing optic. The remaining number of rounds isdisplayed inside the shooter's field of view within the optic via theactive reticle display.

In one embodiment, each magnetic sensor generates and sends anelectrical signal depending on the magnetic field detected, to aprocessor 9260, which receives a plurality of electrical signals fromdifferent receptors and as a function of the signals received itassociates a number of rounds or cartridges corresponding to theposition of the magazine follower.

The processor runs a program from a set of instructions stored in astorage unit. In one embodiment, the storage unit can be on the circuitboard housing the magnetic sensors. An instruction may be defineddifferently for different types of magazine, either by necessity as aresult of the different technical possibilities of different types ofmagazine such as the number of cartridges it can hold, its storagemethod (in-line, staggered, etc.); or as a result of a choice made bythe bearer of the firearm.

Consequently, the processor calculates the supply as a function of thedifferent types of signals that can be associated with differentnumerical values, such that, depending on the values received itcalculates the number of cartridges that are still held in the magazine.

FIGS. 93A, 93B and 93C depict cut-away views of a magazine follower 9110with one or more magnets 9120, a magazine 9130, and hall effect sensors(9310, 9330, and 9340) on a circuit board 9320 mounted into the lowerreceiver 9325 of an M4. The follower 9110 raises in a magazine 9130 andthe location of the magnetic field changes. Different sensors (9310,9320, and 9340) are positioned to detect the changing position of themagnetic field.

FIG. 93A demonstrates approximately 8 rounds remaining with hall effectsensors 9310 detecting the magnetic field. FIG. 93B demonstratesapproximately 4 rounds remaining with hall effect sensors 9330 detectingthe magnetic field. FIG. 93C demonstrates zero rounds remaining in themagazine with hall effect sensors 9340 detecting the magnetic field.With each position, the magnet 9120 interacts with a differentcombination of hall effect sensors 9310, 9330, or 9340. Any number ofhall effect sensors can be used, including but not limited to 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and greater than 15.

In one embodiment, the combination of sensors that the magnet interactswith allows magazine height to be determined and the remaining number ofrounds calculated. In one embodiment, the sensors may be spacedvertically and evenly from one another. The spacing of the sensors maycorrelate the vertical distance traveled by the follower each time around is removed.

In one embodiment, the information can be transmitted physically througha cable or wirelessly to a viewing optic with an active display. Theremaining number of rounds can then be displayed inside the shooter'sfield of view within the viewing optic via the active reticle display.In one embodiment, the number of rounds can be displayedalphanumerically or with graphone or with graphics. In one embodiment,the ammunition status can be displayed through color codes. In oneembodiment, the ammunition status can be indicated with a green colorindicating sufficient rounds remain. In another embodiment, theammunition status can be indicated with a red color to indicate anammunition change is required. In one embodiment, ammunition status canbe indicated with a yellow color to indicate an ammunition change willbe required soon.

In one embodiment, the round counter system tracks or monitors theammunition status. In one embodiment, the round counter systemdetermines the number of rounds remaining. In another embodiment, theround counter system counts rounds in a magazine.

FIGS. 94A and 94B depict additional embodiments of a round countersystem. As shown in FIGS. 94A and 94B, the magazine follower 9110 hasone or more magnets 9120 that interacts with one or more ferrous wires9420 in or on the wall the magazine 9130. When the magnet comes incontact, or near proximity with the one or more wires 9420, the wire9420 picks up the magnetic flux emitted from the magnet 9120 thusmagnetizing the wire 9420. The one or more wires 9420 feed to one ormore nodes 9430 at or near the top of the magazine 9130, where a sensor,including but not limited to a hall effect sensor, interacts with themagnetic field of the nodes 9430. Based on the position of the follower9110, different nodes 9430 will be magnetized, allowing the number ofremaining rounds in the magazine to be determined. In this scenario, theremaining rounds in an entire magazine 9130, rather than just theremaining rounds at the end of a magazine can be determined. FIG. 94Ashows an internal cut away of this system. FIG. 94B shows an exteriorview with the nodes 9430 showing through the side of the magazine 9130.

In another embodiment, the round counter system displays ammunitionstatus or the status of the chamber. This could be accomplished througheither a magnetized round, or another chamber status indication system.The information could be transmitted to the viewing optic wirelessly,through a direct wired connection, or through other interfaces, such asa smart rail, that could transmit data. The ammunition status or chamberstatus could be displayed with the status of the rounds in the magazineor indicate to the user that there is a round in the chamber or indicateto the user that there are rounds in the magazine, but the chamber isempty. The round counter system disclosed herein can serve as a safetymechanism to help the user be aware of their chamber status. While thisfeature would be useful with any weapon, it could be particularly usefulwith bullpup weapons as their designs can be difficult to confirm thechamber status.

In another embodiment, the rounds or cartridge cases could have magnets,or magnetic properties that interact with the hall effect sensor. Thiswould eliminate the need for a special follower to interact with thehall effect sensor.

In one embodiment, different types of rounds could also have uniquesignatures. This can provide the user information to which type of roundwas loaded in the magazine or in the chambers. Different symbols, orcolors could be used to distinguish between load types. Some examplescould include, but would not be limited to, ball rounds, armor piercing,match, tracer, sub sonic, higher or lower power, incendiary, explosive,breaching, buckshot, slug, flechette, and less lethal. The type of roundloaded could be very useful in military and police environments,particularly when dealing with less than lethal vs lethal rounds.

In another embodiment, the type of round loaded in the chamber and/ormagazine could also be fed to the ballistic calculator in the viewingoptic with an integrated display system. The system could identify thechambered round and update the ballistic solution to match thatcartridge. This would prevent the shooter from having to select adifferent type of munition in their menu.

In still another embodiment, the loaded round information could alsointerface with weapon information. The viewing optic with integrateddisplay system could detect weapon settings and display signals to alertthe user to alter the weapon recoil or operating settings, like a gassetting or a buffer weight, based off the loaded rounds. This would helpensure the weapon would cycle more reliably with that round and couldhelp reduce wear and tear on the weapon system. The system could evendirect weapons to adjust these settings themselves if the weapon wascapable.

In another embodiment, the ammunition status can be transmitted to thirdparties in addition to the user of the viewing optic. Status can betransmitted through the viewing optic with integrated display systemwith a wireless chip set, or it could occur through a communication hubon the circuit board with the hall effect sensor/s or additional pointsthroughout the system. The ammunition status could be sent externally toother team members. Ammunition status could be sent to a sniper spotterteam or to a heads-up display worn by the user, or other team members.The ammunition status of a machine gun or automatic rifle could be sentto a team lead and/or an assistant gunner to better coordinate reloads,and fire and maneuver.

If hall effect sensors and a communication hub were incorporated into auser's magazine pouches, the status of the entire load out could bedisplayed to a user or team leader. In a range or training environment,the magazine and chamber status could be sent to range officers andinstructors. This would better allow control over a range and create asafer live fire environment, especially when training individuals whoare unfamiliar with weapons.

In one embodiment, the round counter system may display the entire roundcount in the magazine or it may serve only as an indicator that theshooter is approaching their final rounds in a magazine.

In one embodiment, the round counter system disclosed herein may be usedon weapons with a conventional layout as shown in FIG. 95 or in bullpupdesigns as shown in FIG. 96.

As shown in FIG. 95, a system 9500 is disclosed herein comprising afirearm with a conventional layout, a viewing optic 9510, a roundcounter system 9520, and a cable 9530 that supports communicationbetween the viewing optic 9510 and the round counter system. The viewingoptic 9510 can include any of the embodiments and configurationsdisclosed throughout the application.

FIG. 96 depicts another embodiment of a system 9600 disclosed hereincomprising a firearm with a bullpup design, a viewing optic with anactive display 9610, a round counter system 9620, and a cable thatsupports communication between the viewing optic 9610 and the roundcounter 9620. The viewing optic 9610 can include any of the embodimentsand configurations disclosed throughout the application.

In addition, the round counter system can be used with firearms withmagazines in the grip or any other magazine fed weapon. The roundcounter system disclosed herein can also be used with belt fed weaponsusing special metallic links or a non-disintegrating belt that hasprogressive magnets to trip the invention's sensors.

In one embodiment, one or more magnets can be located within a magazinefollower to trigger one or more sensors on a weapon receiver. In oneembodiment, the magnetic sensors can reside in a remote alreadyconnected to the viewing optic. The remote is attached to the magazinewell of the weapon. The magazine follower rises as the rounds arestripped or discharged from the magazine and the magnetic sensors sendinformation to the active display of the viewing optic.

This design will give the shooter feedback with regard to the number ofrounds they have remaining in their magazine without having to breakconcentration from the sight picture. In addition, this design forammunition tracking has limited cost and does not increase weight of theweapon system as the integrated display system is already present in theviewing optic. Additionally, sensors could reside in a remote alreadyattached to a weapon's magazine well.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system that can display the round count in themagazine from full to an empty magazine or it may serve only as anindicator that the shooter is approaching their final rounds in amagazine.

In one embodiment, the hall effect sensors may reside in a remote thatcontrols or is linked to the optic or parts of the optics system. In oneembodiment, a new magazine follower can be inserted into the magazine.

In one embodiment, the hall effect sensor casing or package may beremovable or fully integrated into the receiver or furniture of thefirearm. In one embodiment, the hall effect sensors may reside in aremote that controls or is linked to the viewing optic or part of theoptic system. The at least one magnet and the corresponding at least onesensor/s may be placed on any side to best facilitate a clear reading ofmagnets associated with the magazine or other feed device.

XIV. Viewing Optic Capable of Integrated Images from Augmented RealityGoggles

Augmented reality goggles are a technology that is currently beingdeveloped to allow the user to have the capability of seeing informationdigitally projected into their field of view and overlaid on top of whatthey would normally view through the naked eye. This could be anythingfrom target information, to thermal and night vision imaging.

As discussed throughout this application, a viewing optic with anintegrated display system allows the user to have the capability ofseeing information digitally projected into their field of view andoverlaid on top of what they would normally view through the optic. Inone embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system that can integrate images from an augmentedreality goggle.

If a user with augmented reality goggles was in a night vision mode, theentire field of view is filled with a digital image of the scene infront of the user. Likewise, a viewing optic could also display a nightvision augmented reality. In this situation, if the user tried to lookthrough the viewing optic with an active display, their vision will beimpaired by the digital image being projected by the augmented realitygoggles.

In one embodiment, this disclosure solves this problem by determiningwhen the viewing optic with an integrated display system was brought tothe user's eye so that it could either completely deactivate the digitalimage projected by the augmented reality goggles, or disable a portionof the digital image in the field of view (FOV) of the augmented realitygoggles only where the FOV of the viewing optic with an integrateddisplay system would be covering the FOV through the augmented realitygoggles.

Weapon mounted optics often have a limited area in which the user canclearly see through the optic. This area exists as a 3D space comprisedof, and determined by, the exit pupil and the eye relief. This area isalso known as the “eye box.”

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to systems and methods thatprovide a user of augmented reality goggles a way of determining when aviewing optic with an integrated display system is brought to the user'seye using a proximity sensor correlating to an optic's eye box.

In one embodiment, augmented reality goggles could have a proximitysensor configured to communicate with a viewing optic having anintegrated display system. The proximity sensor may vary in its form,function, or technology. When an input from the viewing optic isreceived by the sensor of the augmented reality goggles, the augmentedreality goggle can either completely deactivate the digital imageprojected by the goggles or disable a portion of the digital image inthe field of view (FOV) of the augmented reality goggles. The input fromthe sensor could deactivate the augmented reality goggle where the FOVof the viewing optic with an integrated display system would overlap theFOV through the augmented reality goggles. Some methods to achieve thiscould use RFID, or other wireless transmitting methods.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to the use of an IR lasermounted to a viewing optic with an integrated display system and an IRcamera mounted to the augmented reality goggles. The IR laser would beaimed back towards the user's augmented reality goggles. When the userbrought the firearm and the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem up to their eye, the IR laser would hit the IR camera on theaugmented reality goggles and indicate to the augmented reality gogglesthat the viewing optic with an integrated display system was positionedin front of the user's eye. The augmented reality goggles could beprogrammed to shut off the augmented reality goggle imagery so that theuser could then look through the viewing optic with an integrateddisplay system.

FIG. 97 provides a representative depiction of two possible mountinglocations for the IR laser configured to communicate with the goggles.In one embodiment, the IR laser 9710 is positioned at the ocular end ofthe base or housing that is coupled to the main body. In yet anotherembodiment, the IR laser 9720 is positioned at the ocular end of themain body.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can have two or more than 2 IRlasers. In one embodiment, the IR laser has 2, 3, 4, 5, or greater than5 IR lasers.

In another embodiment, the IR laser could also indicate the exactposition and orientation of the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem, relative to the augmented reality goggles. Using this feature,the augmented reality goggles could be programmed to only turn off theimagery in the portion of the field of view that was occluded by theviewing optic with an integrated display system.

This would allow the user to operate with both eyes open and give them amuch larger field of view for much better situational awareness. Theaugmented reality goggles would be providing the augmented realityimagery for everything outside of FOV of the viewing optic with anintegrated display system, while the viewing optic with an integrateddisplay system would be providing all the augmented reality imageryinside the viewing optic's field of view.

In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to the use of magnets onor in a weapon and a magnetic sensor in an augmented reality gogglesystem to detect and measure the presence of a magnetic field. Thesensor and magnet locations may also be reversed. The sensor would becalibrated to measure when the user would be within the eye box. Whenthe sensor detected the field or the strength of the field that the userwas in firing position and looking through the eye box, the gogglescould shut down all or part of their augmented reality display so to notinterfere with the viewing optic's FOV.

In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to the use of a pressureswitch mounted to the stock or the augmented reality goggle system. Thispressure sensor could be mounted on the top of the stock and beactivated by a shooter's check weld. Alternatively, the pressure sensorcould be mounted on a variety of locations on the stock. If mounted onthe stock, a wireless transmission could be sent to the goggleindicating that the shooter was in position to look through the optic.

The pressure switch may be fixed or adjustable to various shooters,optics locations, clothing or other variables. The switch may also allowfor a certain pressure threshold to be crossed before sending a signalto the augmented reality goggle system.

The pressure sensor could also be integrated into or onto the augmentedreality goggle system. This may be a placed, moved or calibrated toactive when pressed against the stock when the shooter is in a firingposition looking through the optic.

In all configurations, the system between the viewing optic with anintegrated display system and the augmented reality goggles could bedesigned so that the shooter/user could shoulder and fire the weaponfrom their non-dominant/support while having the augmented realitydisplay disabled on the appropriate side.

XV. Viewing Optic Displaying Dryfire Feedback

During dry fire practice, shooters practice marksmanship bymanipulating, aiming, and pulling the trigger on a weapon with either anempty chamber or a non-live round. In its most base form, shooterspractice with an empty weapon, aiming at a basic target reference, on oroff a range. They then observe the weapon movement as the trigger ispulled, but they have no feedback beyond their own observations as towhether they would have hit their intended target had they fired a liveround.

In more advanced configurations, shooters use laser indicators attachedto or inserted into weapons that give more visual feedback as to muzzlemovement as the trigger breaks for the shot. These lasers may givefeedback as to a hit or miss but only when paired with very specific andsometimes expensive target systems.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system with an active display configured to generatea target onto the internal screen of the viewing optic. Sensors cantrack the movement of the viewing optic to the internally projected aimpoint. The shooter would then dryfire the weapon. Upon the breaking ofthe shot, the scope would give the shooter an indicator that the userwould have hit or missed the projected target had the user been firing alive round at a physical target.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can project an aiming or targetreference for the user; the viewing optic does not have to digitallydisplay an entire target environment. The user can then have a digitaltarget overlaid on the image they are receiving though the optical trainin the main body of the viewing optic. This system will greatly increasethe battery life of the viewing optic as an entire environment does notneed to be recreated and projected by a digital display.

In one embodiment, as the main body of the viewing optic has an etchedreticle, no reticle image is required to be projected onto a display.Additionally, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemincludes onboard atmospheric sensors that can calculate and compensatefor ballistics, and projected ballistics of a dryfire shot. Therefore,the shooter can have their dry fire training account for environmentaland atmospheric conditions that they are experiencing at the time of thetraining.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemhas an active display that projects an aiming point into the first focalplane of the optics train of the main body. The user then moves theweapon system to place a reticle over, or in reference to, the projectedaiming point in a manner as if the shooter was aiming at a target downrange during a live fire event.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic can use internal or externalaccelerometers, gyroscopes or other sensors to track the physicalmovement of the viewing optic in relation to the internally projectimage. When the reticle is in a position to take a simulated shot, theshooter pulls the trigger. The viewing optic tracks the firing pinimpact or movement using accelerometers, microphones, gyroscopes orsensors. The shot placement, and potentially the follow through, istracked and measured against the aiming reticles point at the time ofthe shot in relation to the projected aiming point. The system thengives the shooter an indicator on the internal display whether as to theshooter would have hit or missed the shot in a live fire scenario. Thesystem may provide the shooter information as to where the shot wouldhave landed and/or provide instructions as to how the user shouldcorrect the shot placement, or physical technique used by the shooter.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem has an active display that projects a target that a user canmeasure using an etched/passive or active/digital reticle. The shootercould then utilize holds built into a reticle or dial a windage and/orelevation dials to replicate taking a shot at distance.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem could simulate the shooter using a laser range finder to rangethe projected target. The shooter could then apply an appropriate holdor dial windage and/or elevation adjustment to make a simulated shot atthe specified distance

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemcan monitor and/or display wind speed, wind direction and otheratmospheric changes including, but not limited to pressure, altitude,temperatures, humidity, angles, cant, inclination, Coriolis effect, spindrift, and down force from helicopter blades.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem can include environmental effects including rain, snow, sleet, orother effects. These atmospheric and/or environmental changes may bedigitally simulated or gathered from on board sensors that could reflectreal time conditions that would or could affect ballistics.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemcan include user selectable targets for the most applicable applicationto the shooter. Targets may be 2d or 3d images. Examples of targetscould include but are not limited to geometric shapes, traditionaltargets shapes (example bowling pins), silhouettes, bullseyes, smallgame, medium game, large game, birds, water fowl, humans, humansilhouettes, enemy combatants, images of specific objectives, known orsuspected terrorists, high value targets, equipment or vehicles. Thesystem may include moving targets including, but not limited to objectswhat are moving at the speed of a target walking, trotting, jogging,running, driving, riding, swimming, flying or on a pitching deck of awater craft or vessel. Direction of movement may not be limited to asingle plane but simulated vertical, horizontal or movement as anoblique may be represented. Target simulations may vary in direction andspeed.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem may or may not include “shoot” or “no-shoot” scenarios or targetsthat may be partially obscured or covered. Obscuredobjects/persons/characters may be displayed through image processing.The system may display simulated friendly or “no-shoot” units or images.The system may also network with other systems so that real friendlysystems are displayed within the reticle so that the user has “no-shoot”points of reference and/or muzzle awareness indicators so that theshooter does not needlessly or unintentionally “flag” or point theirweapon at a real “no-shoot” object.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemcommunicates hit, miss or other information to the shooter and observersor trainers. This could be communicated via audible differentiatingbetween hits or misses. This could also be communicating via externallight/s that signal a hit or miss through different colors, pulses, orlight locations.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemcommunicates with external systems. The information communicated couldbe feedback giving hit or miss indicators or it may show the shooterssight picture at the time that the shot broke. The communication linkmay be unidirectional or omnidirectional. The external system may beable to send observer/spotter/trainer corrections, comments, or messagesto the shooter and display the information within the viewing optic. Thecommunication may be via physical cords, wireless signals, networkconnections, radio frequency or other means of transmitting data. Inanother embodiment, the viewing optic can have a camera that records thetrajectory of the shot.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem works and/or communicates with auxiliary or external systems tocreate a more in-depth environment. The system could work with a thermalunit, night vision, or CEMOS camera that is connected physically ordigitally to the unit to mimic shooting a target displayed by a thermaloptic or a target in no light or low light environment. The system maycommunicate with a heads-up display, or digital screen worn by a shooterto allow for an augmented reality scenario that extends beyond thescreen of the viewing optic and is additionally mimicked or displayed bya user's head mounted system or display interface.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemmay fire a laser from a laser system integrated with or connected to theoptic upon the trigger dropping. This would allow down range sensors ortargets to detect the muzzle placement and orientation upon thesimulated shot.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemis placed on a completely unmodified weapon. The system may be used withor without snap caps, blanks, or other simulated or dummy bullets ormunitions.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemallows the user/shooter to actively select a dryfire setting via a menu,switch or another setting selector to active the program/dry firefeature of the viewing optic. The viewing optic may display an alertthat the user has selected a dryfire mode or setting. The viewing opticmay have a program that asks the user to accept the dryfire setting andmay display and/or require the user to click or verify firearm safetyrules or conditions.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem is placed on a modified or purpose-built weapon. The system mayinteract with a trigger sensor to detect a trigger pull. The system maywork with a trigger resetting system that would prevent the user fromhaving to manually charge or cock a weapon or trigger system after thehammer, strikers, firing pin, or firing mechanism is dropped, initiated,activated or induced. The system may be placed on recoil simulatingsystems that mimic weapon operations via hydraulics, air, motors, orother recoil/momentum replication systems, mechanisms, or units.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system that may allow for additional extremalsensors, connection, devices or housings to be placed onto a weapon.These external sensors/systems could link physically, wirelessly, orthrough a network. The additional external sensors could allow for moreaccurate movement measurements. Extra or alternative programs,scenarios, settings controls or power could be connected to the unit toallow for a wider variety of training and/or longer unit run time.External housings or connections could also simulate outside/externalforces on the physical weapon.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem may have an additional augmented reality unit attached. The unitcould feed information to the viewing optic via a physical or wirelessconnection. This unit may have a camera and/or a compass so that it canaccurately geo locate and image and place characters onto the properlocation within a display. The module may not have a separate displaybut may only feed information to the viewing optic's display. The modulemay act as an image processing unit that may create and/or register,among other things, simulated people, bullet impacts, and hitindicators. Occluded objects/images/persons/characters may be displayedthrough image processing.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemthat can simulate real world conditions for a dryfire session does notrequire an electrical signal to be sent from the trigger itself andtherefore does not require any modifications to a host weapon outside ofmounting the optic to the weapon.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemthat can simulate real world conditions for a dryfire session willprovide shooters with instant dry fire feedback without requiringspecific external targets. The system does not have to alter the weight,handling or balance of a weapon.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemthat can simulate real world conditions for a dryfire session can beused by shooters to receive clear feedback during dryfire practice. Itdoes not require elaborate target systems to be set up nor does it haveto project a forward signature. The system does not require any changesto be made to a host weapon, and it allows the shooter to practice andbecome better familiar with a weapon and sighting system they would useduring live fire events, exercises or scenarios.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemthat can simulate real world conditions for a dryfire session allows forall information to be internal and does not require a physical targetfor any feedback. This system does not require external attachments andcan be accomplished without changing the weight, balance or handling ofweapon.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem that can simulate real world conditions for a dryfire session maybe built as a dedicated training tool deferring to, or only featuring,the dry fire functionality.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemthat can simulate real world conditions for a dryfire session does notrequire a camera to capture an image.

XVI. Viewing Optic with an Integrated Display System and Multiple UserInterfaces

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system with user interface technology, which allowsthe extensive functionality of the viewing optic to be easily employedby the user.

In one embodiment, the user interface can be used to navigate andquickly use an Active Reticle Scope's features and functions.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic could employ different remotedevices to input commands or information based on the technologies thatare added to a particular viewing optic. Ideally, for simplicity, asingle button remote would be used, however a multi-button remote couldbe used if enough features were added to the viewing optic. Theseremotes could be physically connected or wireless.

The viewing optic may also communicate with other devices such assmartphones, tablets, computers, watches or any other devices, whichprovide information or functionality to the viewing optic. These devicescould communicate wirelessly or through a physical connection.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic could also or alternatively receiveand execute commands input by the user through voice commands. The scopemay have a microphone, or it may be linked to a communication systemalready used by the shooter. The scope could also integrate eye trackingtechnology that would allow the user to navigate and/or performfunctions in the optic.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemcan have ranging targets as well as tagging target capabilities. Asdiscussed above, the viewing optic with an integrated display system canbe used to “tag” a target. If a single button remote is used there needsto be a way for the user to distinguish from tagging a target andranging a target.

In one embodiment, for ranging a target, the user would simply tap thesingle button on the remote. This would tell the viewing optic with anintegrated display system to fire a laser pulse and measure the range tothe target and display a ballistic solution and hold point. For tagginga target, the user would push and hold the single button. As the buttonwas being held, the display would show a short animation that wouldindicate to the user that the tagging function was activated. Forexample, the user might see a shape being drawn in the center of thefield of view where they were pointing the viewing optic. Once the shapefinished drawing the user could release the button and this wouldcommunicate to the viewing optic that the user wanted to tag the targetcurrently covered by the drawn shape.

Immediately upon button release a menu would appear that would give theuser multiple selections to label the type of target that the user justtagged. For example, the selections could include, but are not limitedto: Enemy, Friendly, Waypoint, Unknown, etc. The user could cyclethrough the selections using the single remote button with single tapsand then select a target with a press and hold, or the user would havethe option of using the 5-button pad on the viewing optic to navigatethe menu and make a selection.

Once a target was tagged and labeled the display would show a symbol inthe user's field of view. The shape could indicate to the user what typeof target it was for them to quickly identify. In one embodiment, themenu can request confirmation of the correct tag.

There is also a need for a user to be able to change or delete a target.To do this, the user would press and hold the remote button and wait forthe tagging symbol to be drawn. Once the tagging symbol was drawn, andwithout releasing the button, the user would simply move the viewingoptic so that the tagging symbol was covering or touching an existingtagged target symbol and then release the button. Upon button release amenu would appear that would list the target types, as well as a deleteoption. The user could cycle through the selections using the singleremote button with single taps and then select a target with a press andhold, or the user would have the option of using the 5-button pad on theviewing optic to navigate the menu and make a selection.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemhas the ability to indicate Close Proximity Target Tags. When taggingtargets in very close proximity to one another, the system may mistakean attempt to designate a new target, as the selection of a previouslymarked target. When the menu is displayed for the previously markedtarget, an option would appear that would allow the marking of a newtarget. The user could press and hold to select this option or use the5-button pad on the viewing optic to make the selection. The user wouldthen be prompted to select the target label they desire for the newtarget.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemcan have the ability to display coordinates. In one embodiment, theviewing optic may have, or be paired with a laser rangefinder, a compassand a GPS unit. These features may provide the functionality to providethe user with coordinates for tagged targets. This feature could be veryuseful for establishing rally points, directing air support,coordinating artillery fire or other applications. Full and constantcoordinate display may not be desired by users though as it may cluttera display.

In one embodiment, full customizable options may be available through adeep menu option, or through a computer or other more advanced interfacetechnology. In one embodiment, the default settings could be streamlinedto users with only a remote. Certain target tag label selections, suchas rendezvous points or air strike locations, could always have acoordinate displayed adjacent to a target marker.

Alternatively, some or all of the target tags labels may only displaythe coordinates when the optic's reticle is hovering over the target tagfor more than a few of seconds. The coordinates could be displayedadjacent to the target tag or in another part of the viewing optic. Thedisplay could be passive and be displayed automatically or it couldrequire a button press combination to display the coordinate. The samepress combination could remove a displayed coordinate from the screen.The duration of the coordinate display could be determined by a user ina separate menu option.

XVII. Viewing Optic with a Turret Tracking System

Adjusting an optic's reticle typically involves dialing a turret, whichmoves an optic's aiming reticle up or down or side to side a specificnumber of units, usually mil radians (mils) or minutes of angle (MOA).These units are usually defined by small detents and often make smallaudible and tactile “clicks.”

Certain turrets can allow for greater than 360° of rotation. Thisbenefits the shooter as they have access to a greater adjustment range.For example, if a single rotation will move a reticle 5 mils, two fullrotations would allow for 10 mils of adjustment. This significantlyextends this distance a shooter can engage a target while using thereticle as an aiming reference. Without a clear reference though, ashooter can quickly become confused as to which rotation is currentlyon. This problem is further exacerbated when a shooter has 3, 4, or morethan four rotations of adjustments available to them.

Some scopes feature reference lines on their turret. As the turret isrotated, the body of the turret head would raise and expose horizontalreference lines. However, these lines are small and hard to see frombehind a firearm under even the best conditions. In no light or lowlight environments, there is no good way for a shooter to observe theirturret revolution without using a light source to illuminate the turret.For some hunting, law enforcement and military scenarios this is not afeasible option.

One alternative is to have a revolution indicator installed on thescope. Often these indicators consist of a physical pin that slowlyprotrudes from the optic as the turret rotates. The changing pin heightgives the shooter a reference point as to the turret rotation when usingthe optic in low light or no light conditions, but it does not easilyprovide a distinct reading as to the exact turret adjustment. Forexample, a scope may have a pin that protrudes on the second rotation,but the user may not know if they are dialed at 11.1 mils or 17.3 milson a turret that has 10 mils of adjustment per rotation. These valueswill result in substantially different points of impact, particularly ifthe shooter is engaging a target at mid to long range distances.

Using a revolution indicator also means the shooter must physically feeltheir optic to know their turret setting. This would require the shooterto break their firing position by moving either their firing or supporthands from their respective positions. This is not an acceptablesolution when a shooter may need to engage a target at a moment'snotice.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method to track theturret adjustments of a viewing optic whereby the components of thetracking mechanism are reliable, transparent to the operator, andenvironmentally protected. The turret tracking system disclosed hereinemploys an LED, a photosensor and a strip of material that has varyingdegrees of optical reflectance/absorption.

In one embodiment, the turret information can be transmitted to anactive display, which can then project the turret information into thefirst focal plane of the viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem.

In one embodiment, the turret tracking system disclosed herein providesusers with an easy to read display of their current adjusted value of anoptic turret. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewingoptic with an integrated display system and a turret position trackingsystem comprising an LED, a photosensor and a strip of material that hasvarying degrees of optical reflectance/absorption. The sensor thentransmits data to an active display of an integrated display system,which projects the information into the first focal plane of the opticaltrain of the main body.

In one embodiment, the turret tracking system may be used onelevation/vertical adjustment, windage/horizontal adjustment turretsand/or any other rotating adjustment on or in a viewing optic.

FIGS. 88 and 89 are representative depictions of a turret trackingsystem. FIG. 88 is a representative depiction of a printed circuit board8805 with microprocessor, photosensor and LED 8810 and a simulated coneof vision drawn to illustrate the angle of acceptance of light for thephotosensor. FIG. 89 is a representative depiction of a turret 8905 withmaterial having a grayscale gradient 8910.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic has one or more turrets 8905 havinga turret tracking system with an LED and photosensor 8810 housed withina fixed position inside the turret. When the turret 8905 is rotated bythe operator, an erector tube is moved, which changes the position ofthe optic's reticle. Affixed to the inside diameter of the turret is amaterial 8910. In one embodiment, the material 8910 is approximately 10mm wide and 40 mm long. The material may cover 360° of the turret 8905.One side of this material 8910 has an adhesive that is used to attach itto the interior turret wall. The other side of the material 8910 has aprinted grayscale gradient on it which, when an LED is shone on it, willreflect varying amounts of light depending on which portion of thegradient is being exposed to the LED.

The LED illuminates the gradient strip and the photosensor receives aportion of the light reflected off the gradient strip, and sends asignal to a microcontroller, the strength of the signal varying with theamount of light detected. When an adjustment turret is rotated by theoperator a different portion of the gradient strip is exposed to the LEDand photosensor which in turn changes the signal strength sent to themicrocontroller. The turret setting of the system is therefore able tobe tracked by associating it with the amount of light detected by thephotosensor. This information is then sent from a microcontroller, forexample, to an active display within the integrated display system ofthe viewing optic, which gives the user a value correlating to theturret position. This value may correlate to the exterior reading of theturret.

In another embodiment, the reflective material can be fixed in positionand the photosensor and LED can rotate around the reflective material.

In another embodiment, the LED and sensor may be located outside of theturret and the reflective material is affixed to the exterior of aturret mechanism. This design may be beneficial to protect againstoutside elements.

In one embodiment, the turret tracking system may reside inside and/oroutside the viewing optic body. In one embodiment, the turret trackingsystem may reside within and/or outside a turret body and may be part ofthe turret.

In one embodiment, the turret tracking system may be a module residingwith or next to the optic turrets.

In another embodiment, the reflective gradient strip may have definedsections, or may have infinitely varying reflectivity. The reflectivematerial may be attached to the viewing optic and/or turret or it may beintegrated into the viewing optic, turret body, housing, coating oranother element. If the reflective gradient has defined sections, thosesections may correlate and/or match to the rotation and/or click adjustof the physical turret mechanism.

In another embodiment the reflective material has two or morealternating levels of reflectivity. The sensor would then track thechanges and send the information to a processor, which would “count” thenumber of changes to provide a value to the display.

In one embodiment, the turret tracking system may also “count” or trackfull revolutions to allow the display of an adjustment past a singlerotation. In another embodiment the material may be finely calibratedand/or have reference marks and the material or the sensor may move upor down with or on an erector tube to allow for a greater spectrum ofreflectivity so which could allow the system to sense/read multipleturret rotations.

In one embodiment, the turret display may remain visible at all times orit may only be displayed when the shooter has dialed an adjustment thatis not their zero. The turret display options may be user selectable.Turret values may be displayed using numerical values, words, acronyms,symbols, graphics or other methods. The display settings may be useradjustable. The display may show turret and unit references.

In one embodiment, the displayed units of angular measurement are usableselectable that could include but are not limited to mil radians (mRador mils), Minutes of Angle (MOA), Gunners Mils or Shooter's MOA. Thiswould allow for the shooter to work with spotter elements who are givingcorrections in another unit.

For example, if a marksman had a scope with 0.1 mRad adjustment turrets,and an mRad calibrated reticle, the spotter may be giving feedback inMOA. The shooter could then switch their optic to digitally display theunits in MOA. As the viewing optic cannot change the physicaladjustments increment, the optic would do a unit conversion for theshooter.

For this example, 1 MOA=0.30 mils. If the spotter told the shooter theywere low by 2 MOA, the shooter could then switch their displayed unitsto MOA. The shooter would dial their adjustment. The scope turret couldread+0.1 mil→0.2 mil→0.3 mil→0.4 mil→0.5 mil→0.6 mil.

While dialing the internal displayed adjustment could read+0.34 MOA→0.68MOA→1.02 MOA→1.36 MOA→1.7 MOA→2.04 MOA. This would allow the shooter tomake their adjustments off another unit of angular measurement.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic having an integrated displaysystem and a turret tracking system could communicate with a laser rangefinder and a ballistic calculator to provide corrections in units oflinear measurement rather than units of angular measurement. These unitscould include, but are not limited to, inches, feet, yards, millimeters,centimeters, and meters. As the optic itself cannot change the physicaladjustments increment, the optic would do the unit conversion for theshooter based on the given distance to the target and the ballisticprofile of the projectile.

For this example, 0.1 mil is 0.36″ at 100 yards. The shooter couldswitch their viewing optic to display units in inches and the shootercould measure the distance to the target. The distance could be enteredinto a scope menu or measured and automatically input by a laser rangefinder that could be connected physically or wirelessly to the optic.

If the shooter was 1.5 inches low at 100 yards the shooter would dialtheir adjustment. The scope turret could read+0.1 mil→0.2 mil→0.3mil→0.4 mil. When dialing, the displayed adjustment, provided by theactive display and projected into the first focal plane of the opticaltrain, could read+0.36 inches→0.72 inches→1.08 inches→1.44 inches. Thiswould allow the shooter to make their adjustments based off units oflinear measurement.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic having an integrated display systemand a turret tracking system could display units that correlate toweapon profile zeros stored in the viewing optic menu. These weaponprofiles could contain zero information, ballistic software and/or dataand other auxiliary information that could be used by a shooter to helpsuccessfully calculate and/or conduct a shot. This may be integratedwith or without a physical turret zero stop. This feature could be usedwith switch caliber weapons, switch barrel weapons, different ammoloads, with or without silencers/sound suppressors, when moved todifferent weapon platforms or in any other circumstance when the shooterhas different zeros.

For example, a shooter could have a switch cartridge/caliber/barrelrifle with a 26-inch 0.300 Norma barrel shooting a 230-grain bullet andan 18-inch 7.62×51 NATO barrel shooting a 175-grain bullet. These twobarrels would have substantially different velocities and ballistics. Ifa shooter zeroed their optic with the 0.300 Norma at 100 m and thenswitched barrels to the 7.62 NATO round and shot the weapon again at 100m the shooter would find their rounds would not impact in the same spot.For the sake of the example, the 7.62 NATO load was 1.3 mils low and 0.4mils to the left when shooting at 100 meters after zeroing with the 300Norma.

The shooter could choose to reset the zero of the scope, but that couldcompromise the 0.300 Norma zero and the process could prove tedious ifthe shooter must switch cartridges on a frequent basis.

The shooter could choose to maintain the 0.300 Norma zero and just dialfor the distance, but the shooter would then have to be cognizant of therequired adjustment for the zero. For example, if the shooter had todial for a shot that required 5.2 mils of adjustment, their final turretreading would be 6.5 mils (5.2 mils would be for the new shot, and 1.3would be the correction for the 100-yard zero). Additionally, when theshooter returned their scope to their zero setting after taking theshot, they would need to remember to stop at 1.3 mils, not at 0 mils.

Finally, the shooter could try to zero the cartridges at distances thatcorrelated to their bullet drop, but this rarely corresponds to round,easy to remember, distances. The shooter may zero the 7.62 NATO at 100 mbut the 0.300 Norma may be zeroed at 217 m. This is not convenient whenthe shooter is trying to shoot and make corrections quickly, and it doesnot account for any shift in the windage correction/horizontal directionwhen switching between the two zeros.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic having an integrated display systemand a turret tracking system could use saved weapon profiles to solvethese issues. For example, the shooter could set their mechanical zerofor the 0.300 Norma. The optics weapon profile for the 0.300 wouldsave/preserve that zero in its memory. The interior display could readzero, or display 0 elevation and/or 0 wind, or any other written orgraphical indication as the turret status to include abbreviations,arrows, symbols, tic marks, or markings on an etched, passive, active ordigital reticle. The display or optic may or may not include whichweapon profile is selected.

The shooter could conduct a barrel change to the 7.62 NATO, and thenselect a saved weapon profile for the new barrel. Once the appropriateweapon profile is selected, the scope display would show that the userwas currently 1.3 mils low and 0.4 mils to the left of the barrel'szero. The shooter could then dial the turrets to those settings and thedisplay could show the optic was zeroed for that profile. The shootercould then take their shot that required 5.2 mils of adjustment. Afterdialing the turret for the bullet drop, the internals could display 5.2mils above zero to the shooter. The physical turrets could show thatthere 6.5 mils dialed, but the shooter would not have to remember the1.3 mil correction as it could be stored inside the optic'smemory/program. Instead, the shooter could use the digital zero for thatweapon profile as a reference points for all future shots regardless ofthe mechanical zero so long as there was enough travel in the scopedials to make the adjustment/correction.

In another embodiment the viewing optic having an integrated displaysystem and a turret tracking system may account for variables resultingfrom being placed on, connected to, or integrated with an adjustablebase, rail, mount or fixture. Any additional angle, cant, incline orother variable induced in any direction by the fixture may be inputthrough a user interface or it may be accounted for automaticallythrough a physical or wireless connection. The viewing optic having anintegrated display system and a turret tracking system may store and/orproject this information in the display using numerical values, words,acronyms, symbols, graphics or other methods. This information can beshown as a single sum that includes both optic dial adjustments and theangle or variable induced by the fixture. Alternatively, thisinformation may be displayed separately with a total sum that may or maynot be included.

An example of this would be when using the viewing optic having anintegrated display system and a turret tracking system attached to anadjustable base for the firearm or weapon. A shooter could zero theiroptic with the firearm base imparting zero MOA. At such time, theinternal display would show the shooter was at their zero. To gainadditional elevation travel, the shooter may apply an additional 20 MOAthrough the adjustable firearm base. No adjustments would have been madewithin the viewing optic, but the reticle now has a 20 MOA incline. Theshooter could input this information into the viewing optic. After theinput, the viewing optic having an integrated display system and aturret tracking system could display that the shooter was at 20 MOA,rather than at the weapon's zero. If the shooter needed to then fire ata target using a 25 MOA correction, the shooter would dial 5 MOA intothe scope for a total of 25 MOA. 5 MOA from the scope and 20 MOA fromthe firearm base.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic having an integrated displaysystem and a turret tracking system may transmit the displayedinformation to another user such as, but not limited to spotters,trainers, hunting guides, or range officers. This could allow for otherclear communication between two or more different parties. Theinformation could be transmitted through a physical, wireless, network,radio, or other communication means. The information could be displayedin other optics, cell phones, tablets, computers, watches or any otherdevices.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic having an integrated displaysystem and a turret tracking system can use an additional light sensor,or proximity sensor or other sensor to indicate when or if a turret lockwas engaged. This information could be displayed within the opticsdisplay. This information could be displayed using numerical values,words, acronyms, symbols, graphics or other methods.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic having an integrated displaysystem and a turret tracking system allows the shooter to see the dialedadjustment/s without having to break concentration from a sight pictureby displaying the value/s within the display of an active reticle optic.Additionally, the shooter is not required to break their shootingposition to manually feel a dial, knob, or other form of turret positionor rotation indication.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising:a main body with an optical system having a moveable optical elementconfigured to generate an image of an outward scene, a turret configuredto adjust of the moveable optical element, wherein the turret has (a) amaterial with varying degrees of optical absorption/reflectance coupledto a portion of the turret and (b) a photosensor configured to detectlight reflected from the material, wherein the amount of light detectedin indicative of turret position and a beam combiner and an activedisplay in communication with the photosensor and configured to generatean image indicating turret position for simultaneous viewing of thegenerated image and image of the outward scene in a first focal plane ofthe optical system.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic comprising:(i) a main body with an optical system having a moveable optical elementconfigured to generate an image of an outward scene, a turret configuredto adjust of the moveable optical element, wherein the turret has (a) amaterial with varying degrees of optical absorption/reflectance coupledto a portion of the turret and (b) a photosensor configured to receivelight reflected from the material, wherein the amount of light detectedin indicative of turret position and a beam combiner and (ii) a basecoupled to the main body and having an active display in communicationwith the photosensor and configured to generate an image indicatingturret position and a reflective material for directing the generatedimage to the beam combiner for simultaneous viewing of the generatedimage and image of the outward scene in a first focal plane of theoptical system.

XVIII. A Viewing Optic Capable of Generating and Displaying anEngagement Window

Urban snipers may use “loop holes” (a small hole through a barrier) tokeep themselves in cover while still being able to precisely engage atarget. With some basic math, a shooter can adjust their optic to shootthrough one of these holes at a given distance and place precision fireon a target at a further range.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system that can display an engagement window usingthe loop hole size, and other loop hole characteristics including butnot limited to the distance to the loop hole, a weapon's physicalcharacteristics, ballistic data of the projectile and weapon system, andatmospherics measured by, or input into, the viewing optic. The viewingoptic can provide multiple wind and elevation hold marks as well asboundary marks for internal dimensions of a measured loop hole.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relate to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system that can be used to shoot through a loophole,which is considerably easier and safer than other systems. Shootersengaging a target can experience a height over bore effect. Height overbore is the difference in height between the barrel of a weapon and thecenter of the aiming device, be that iron sights, a magnified optic, ared dot, or another aiming mechanism. When shooting in tight confines,and under stress, the shooter may be able to see a target through theiraiming mechanism, but their barrel or bore doesn't clear an obstruction.

For example, a shooter may try to engage a target over the hood of acar. The shooter, attempting to keep as low as possible may be able tosee their target through their sights, but their muzzle may not clearthe car. Because of the difference in height over bore, instead ofbullets hitting the target when the shooter fires what they think is aclear shot through their sights, the bullet/s instead hit the car hood.This height over bore effect can be further magnified by a shooterattempting to take shots at a long distance due to the angles of theweapon system.

In one embodiment, a viewing optic with an integrated display systemmakes this process considerably easier for the shooter by displaying adigital box within their optic that represents the area the shooter cansuccessfully engage the target through the loophole.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic with an integrated display systemis configurable to a multitude of host weapons, with varying height overbores, accounts for vertical and horizontal constraints, and accountsfor ballistic drop at a variety of distances.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system that can generate an engagement windowcustomizable via user's personal ballistic information, loop hole size,and distance to loop hole. In one embodiment, the active display canproject the engagement window into a first focal plane and can provideboundary marks as well as multiple wind and elevation hold marks fortargets through the loophole.

Shooting through loop holes is a practice achieved by using theprinciple of a Near Zero and a Far Zero. FIG. 90 is a representativeschematic of the Near Zero and a Far Zero concept.

In one embodiment, a viewing optic with an integrated display system cancalculate near and far zeros, and account for height over bore, therebyallowing a shooter to more easily shoot through a loophole to engage atarget at a much longer distance.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with anintegrated display system, wherein the active display projects a window,which is based on the calculations mentioned in the precedingparagraphs, through which a shooter can use near and far range zeros toengage a target. This window may be based off the measurement of thescope height over the bore, the distance to the loophole, the size anddepth of the loophole, atmospherics, ballistic data of the projectile,angles, cant, projectile caliber/diameter, weapon/shooter accuracyand/or any other factors that may affect a shooter's target engagement.This box may be adjusted in tandem with elevation/vertical and/orwindage/horizontal turret adjustments. The boundary marks may be anynumber of colors, line thicknesses, and may be dashed or solid. Theoptic may use accelerometers or other sensors to track the engagementwindow location while the scope is physically moved.

When the shooter is pointed at an area that would cause an impact ratherthan a successful engagement through the loophole, the viewing opticwith an integrated display system will give the shooter a warningmessage. This message could be written or displayed in graphics. Theremay be an indicator on the reticle/s that shows the shooter they wouldbe unsuccessful in shooting through the loophole.

In one embodiment, the shooter inputs the dimensions, orientation andthe distance to the loophole into a program or menu within the viewingoptic. The viewing optic via one or more processingunits/microcontrollers could keep standard shapes that the shooter coulduse to describe the loophole. The viewing optic could also allow theshooter to enter length and angle measurements of the opening to bettercustomize their loophole boundary display.

In another embodiment, the shooter could use a laser range finder to getthe distance to the loophole. The viewing optic could also allow theshooter to “trace” the outline of the loophole within the scope. Thiscould be drawing the loophole on the display using a keypad or anotherinterfacing control device. The viewing optic could also allow theshooter to track the movement of the optic as the shooter “traces” theloophole outline with a reticle/s or tracing point.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic could use cameras that would beable to “see” the loophole. The shooter could have the cameras registerthe opening and display the shoot window within the optic. The camerascould track the shooters movement so that if the shooters height,distance or angle to the loophole changed the camera could automaticallytrack the changes and display an updated shoot window within the optic.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic could create a custom bulletdrop compensating (BDC) reticle that could be displayed in the optic.The BDC could display ranges that the shooter could successfully engagea target through the loophole as well as appropriate wind holds to atarget.

In one embodiment, the viewing optic could allow for atmospherics to begathered from sensors on/in the optic, sensors outside the optic toinclude sensors outside the loophole, or atmospherics could be enteredinto the optic by the shooter via a menu and keypad or anotherinterfacing control device.

In another embodiment, if the shooter attempted to dial or hold for ashot that was outside of the loophole, the viewing optic could give theshooter directions as to how the shooter could successfully engage thetarget. The viewing optic could tell the shooter to move their shootingposition left if there was not enough horizontal distance in theloophole to engage the target they wanted to shoot. These directionscould be written, displayed in symbols, graphics, audible throughcommunications gear, or they could be communicated through othermethods. These directions could be displayed within the optic ortransmitted to other communication devices.

In another embodiment, the viewing optic could be paired with aprogrammable bipod, tripod, chassis, support system, or device thatcould allow the weapon to swing, move or pivot the weapon system withinthe shooting loophole angles. The support device could use rails,pivoting or panning supports, articulating balls or other mechanismsthat could both support and allow the movement of the weapon system. Thesupport device could fully support the weapon or require additionalsupport from the shooter. The device could feature programmable stopsthat could prevent the weapon from engaging targets outside the window.The rotation or travel stops may be input/set by the shooter or throughcommunication with the optic. The support device could be linkedphysically to the optic or wirelessly. The support device could bemanually controlled or controlled via motors or electronics.

XIX. Protective Shield for a Lens

Lenses on optical systems can easy become scratched, which reduces theusers' image quality. Some lenses are also fragile enough to fracture,break or shatter when impacted. To prevent damage to lenses, users oftenuse optic covers on their systems.

While optics covers help protect the lenses they can often be slow todeploy or remove. It is also common for covers to negatively affectimage quality by reducing clarity, distorting colors, creating thefeeling of a tube effect or by restricting or blocking light to theuser.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a protective window toprotect exterior lenses. With the protective window, users willeliminate deployment time issue and image quality should be minimallyaffected, if affected at all, in comparison to a system with no covers.

In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to an integrated transparentshield to protect the exterior lenses of a viewing optic. This windowmay be made of glass, acrylic, polymer, ceramic, Nano grain structuredelements, or other clear mediums. The window may have additionalcoatings applied to increase hardness, improve scratch resistance,increase water repellence, reduce color distortion or otherwise increasedesirable characteristics and minimize undesirable affects.

In one embodiment, the transparent shield is part of a sealed and/orpurged optical system. In one embodiment, the shield may be held inplace by any suitable method including but not limited to being held bygrooves sealed by O-Rings, adhesives, or other methods that couldpreserve an airtight seal for an optical system.

In another embodiment, the transparent shield may exist in front of asealed optical system so that the window could be removed or replaced.Replacing the window could be for the purposes of replacement in case ofdamage, using different coatings for optimum light filtration, changingwindow tints or colors, insertion or removal of a polarized window orother reasons. This window could be held in place by snaps, detents,grooves, threads or another method that could allow for the extractionand replacement of the window while withstanding the burdens placed onthe optic, such as recoil.

In one embodiment, the transparent shield can be any shape including around shape. The shield can be sized and shaped to best fit the needs ofthe protected optical system.

In one embodiment, the shield can be used to protect forward or rearfacing lenses.

FIG. 98 is a representative photograph showing the objective perspectiveof a riflescope having a main body with an optical system having anobjective lens system that focuses a target image from an outward sceneto a first focal plane, an erector lens system that inverts the targetimage, and a beam combiner and a base having an active display.

FIG. 99 is a representative photograph of a left side view of ariflescope having a main body with an optical system having an objectivelens system that focuses a target image from an outward scene to a firstfocal plane, an erector lens system that inverts the target image, and abeam combiner and a base having an active display. The base has acompartment for one or more power sources. In one embodiment, thecompartment for the one or more power sources is located closer to theocular assembly as compared to the objective assembly. In oneembodiment, the cover for the compartment for the one or more powersources is a detent body cap.

FIG. 100 is a representative depiction showing a right side view of ariflescope having a main body with an optical system having an objectivelens system that focuses a target image from an outward scene to a firstfocal plane, an erector lens system that inverts the target image, and abeam combiner and a base having an active display.

FIG. 101 is a representative depiction showing the ocular perspective ofa riflescope having a main body with an optical system having anobjective lens system that focuses a target image from an outward sceneto a first focal plane, an erector lens system that inverts the targetimage, and a beam combiner and a base having an active display.

The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein can be further described inthe following paragraphs:

1. A viewing optic comprising:

a body having (i) a first optical system having an objective lens systemthat focuses a target image from an outward scene to a first focalplane, an erector lens system that inverts the target image, a secondfocal plane, and (ii) a beam combiner between the objective lens systemand the first focal plane; and

a second optical system with an active display and a lens system thatcollects the light from the active display, and (ii) a mirror thatdirects the image from the active display to the beam combiner where theimage from the active display and the target image from the objectivelens system are combined into the first focal plane and viewedsimultaneously.

2. A viewing optic comprising: an optical system configured to define afirst focal plane; an active display for generating a digital image,wherein the digital image is superimposed on the first focal plane; anda controller coupled to the active display, the controller configured toselectively power one or more display elements to generate the digitalimage.

3. A viewing optic comprising: (a) a main tube; (b) an objective systemcoupled to a first end of the main tube; (c) an ocular system coupled tothe second end of the main tube, the main tube, objective system andocular system being configured to define at least a first focal plane;and (d) a beam combiner positioned between the objective assembly andthe first focal plane.

4. A viewing optic comprising: (a) a main tube; (b) an objective systemcoupled to a first end of the main tube that focuses a target image froman outward scene; (c) an ocular system coupled to the second end of themain tube, the main tube, objective system and ocular system beingconfigured to define at least a first focal plane; (d) a beam combinerpositioned between the objective assembly and the first focal plane; and(e) an active display for generating an image and directing the image tothe beam combiner, wherein the generated image and the target image arecombined into the first focal plane.

5. A viewing optic comprising (i) a main body with an optical system forgenerating images of an outward scene and a beam combiner and (ii) abase coupled to the body and having an active display for generatingimages and a mirror for directing the generated images to the beamcombiner for simultaneous overlaid viewing of the generated images andimages of the outward scene in a first focal plane of the main body.

6. A viewing optic comprising:

(i) a main tube having (a) an objective system coupled to a first end ofthe main tube that focuses a target image from an outward scene; (b) anocular system coupled to the second end of the main tube, the main tube,objective system and ocular system being configured to define at least afirst focal plane; and (c) a beam combiner positioned between theobjective assembly and the first focal plane; and

(ii) a base having an active display for generating an image anddirecting the image to the beam combiner, wherein the generated imageand the target image are combined into the first focal plane.

7. A viewing optic comprising: an optical system having a beam combinerbetween a first focal plane and an objective lens system, a focus cellpositioned between the beam combiner and the objective lens system, andan active display for generating a digital image, wherein the digitalimage is superimposed on the first focal plane; and a controller coupledto the active display, the controller configured to selectively powerone or more display elements to generate the digital image.

8. A viewing optic comprising: (a) a main tube; (b) an objective systemcoupled to a first end of the main tube; (c) an ocular system coupled tothe second end of the main tube, (c) a beam combiner positioned betweenthe objective assembly and the first focal plane; and (d) a focus cellpositioned between the beam combiner and the objective assembly.

9. A viewing optic comprising (i) a main body with an optical system forgenerating images of an outward scene and a beam combiner and (ii) abase coupled to the main body and having an active display forgenerating images and a mirror for directing the generated images to thebeam combiner for simultaneous overlaid viewing of the generated imagesand images of the outward scene in a first focal plane of the main body,and wherein the base has a compartment for one or more power sources.

10. A viewing optic comprising:

a body having (i) a first optical system having an objective lens systemthat focuses a target image from an outward scene to a first focalplane, an erector lens system that inverts the target image, a secondfocal plane, and (ii) a beam combiner that is placed between theobjective lens system and the first focal plane; and

a base with (i) a second optical system with (a) an active display and alens system that collects the light from the active display, (b) amirror that directs the image from the active display to the beamcombiner where the image from the active display and the target imagefrom the objective lens system are combined into the first focal planeand viewed simultaneously; and (ii) a compartment for one or more powersources.

11. A viewing optic comprising: an optical system configured to define afirst focal plane; an active display for generating a digital image anda lens system for collecting the light from the active display, whereinthe digital image is superimposed on the first focal plane; and acontroller coupled to the active display, the controller configured toselectively power one or more display elements to generate the digitalimage, and further wherein the lens system is composed of an inner cellhaving two lenses and an outer cell having three lenses, wherein theouter cell is fixed in relation to the inner cell.

12. A viewing optic comprising: (a) a main tube having an objectivesystem coupled to a first end of the main tube and an ocular systemcoupled to the second end of the main tube and a beam combiner locatedbetween the objective assembly and a first focal plane of an opticssystem; (b) an integrated display system for generating a digital image;and (c) a computing device for processing ballistics relevant data andcausing said integrated display system to adapt an aiming reticle withinthe digital image.

13. A viewing optic comprising: (i) a main body with an optical systemfor generating an image of an outward scene along a viewing optical axisand a beam combiner and (ii) a base coupled to a bottom portion of themain body having an active display for generating an image and areflective material for directing the generated image to the beamcombiner for simultaneous overlaid viewing of the generated image andimage of the outward scene in a first focal plane of the optical system,a sensor for detecting the presence of a user and a processor incommunication with the sensor and capable of controlling power state ofthe viewing optic.

14. A viewing optic comprising:

a main body having (i) an optical system having an objective lens systemthat focuses a target image from an outward scene to a first focalplane, and (ii) a beam combiner that is placed between the objectivelens system and the first focal plane; and

a base coupled to a bottom portion of the main body having (i) an activedisplay that generates an image and a lens system that collects thelight from the active display, (ii) a reflective material that directsthe generated image to the beam combiner where the generated image andthe target image from the objective lens system are combined into thefirst focal plane for simultaneous overlaid viewing of the generatedimage and image of the outward scene, (iii) a sensor for detecting thepresence of a user and (iv) a processor in communication with the sensorand capable of controlling power state of the viewing optic.

15. A viewing optic comprising:

a main body having an objective system coupled to a first end of a maintube that focuses a target image from an outward scene and an ocularsystem coupled to the second end of the main tube, the main tube,objective system and ocular system being configured to define at least afirst focal plane and a beam combiner positioned between the objectiveassembly and the first focal plane; and

a base having an active display for generating an image and directingthe image to the beam combiner, wherein the generated image and thetarget image are combined into the first focal plane, the base furtherhaving a compartment for one or more power sources.

16. A viewing optic comprising: a body having an objective lens systemat one end that focuses a target image from an outward scene, an ocularlens system at the other end and a movable erector tube with an erectorlens system located between the objective and ocular systems, themovable erector lens system, the objective lens system and the ocularlens system forming a first optical system having a first focal planeand a second focal plane, with a first reticle at the first focal planethat moves in conjunction with the movable erector tube and a beamcombiner located between the first focal plane and the objectiveassembly; and a second optical system with an active display forgenerating an image and a lens system that collects light from theactive display, and a reflective material that directs the generatedimage from the active display to the beam combiner where the image fromthe active display and the target image from the objective lens systemare combined into the first focal plane and viewed simultaneously, andthe generated image from the active display does not move in conjunctionwith the movable erector tube.

17. A viewing optic comprising a main body having an optical train and afirst beam combiner and a base having a first active display and asecond beam combiner located in front of the first active display and asecond active display that is perpendicular to the first active display.

18. A viewing optic comprising a main body having an optical train and abeam combiner and a base with an integrated display system having anactive display, wherein the active display can project ammunition statusinto the first focal plane of the optical train of the main body.

19. A viewing optic comprising: a body having an objective lens systemat one end that focuses a target image from an outward scene, an ocularlens system at the other end and a movable erector tube with an erectorlens system located between the objective and ocular systems, themovable erector lens system, the objective lens system and the ocularlens system forming a first optical system having a first focal planeand a second focal plane, with a first reticle at the first focal planethat moves in conjunction with the movable erector tube and a beamcombiner located between the first focal plane and the objectiveassembly; and a second optical system with an active display forgenerating an image and a lens system that collects light from theactive display, and a reflective material that directs the generatedimage from the active display to the beam combiner where the image fromthe active display and the target image from the objective lens systemare combined into the first focal plane and viewed simultaneously, andthe generated image from the active display does not move in conjunctionwith the movable erector tube.

20. A viewing optic comprising a main body having an optical train and afirst beam combiner and a base having a first active display and asecond beam combiner located in front of the first active display and asecond active display that is perpendicular to the first active display.

21. A viewing optic comprising a main body having an optical train and abeam combiner and a base with an integrated display system having anactive display, wherein the active display can project ammunition statusinto the first focal plane of the optical train of the main body.

22. A viewing optic system comprising a main body having an opticaltrain and a beam combiner and a base with an integrated display system,an IR laser mounted to a portion of the viewing optic and an IR cameramounted to augmented reality goggles.

23. Methods and systems for monitoring and tracking dryfire session assubstantially shown and described herein

24. Methods and systems for simulating a real world condition using aviewing optic with an integrated display system as substantially shownand described herein.

25. A viewing optic comprising:

a body having an objective lens system at one end that focuses a targetimage from an outward scene,

an ocular lens system at the other end of the body and a movable erectortube with an erector lens system located between the objective andocular systems, the erector lens system, the objective lens system andthe ocular lens system forming a first optical system having a firstfocal plane and a second focal plane, with a first reticle at the firstfocal plane that moves in conjunction with the movable erector tube;

a beam combiner located between the first focal plane and the objectiveassembly, wherein a photo sensor is coupled to the beam combiner; and

a second optical system with a first active display for generating animage, a second active display for generating an image and a lens systemthat collects light from the first active display and/or the secondactive display, and a reflective material that directs the generatedimage from the first and/or second active display to the beam combinerwhere the image from the active display and the target image from theobjective lens system are combined into the first focal plane and viewedsimultaneously.

26. A viewing optic comprising: (a) a main tube; (b) an objective systemcoupled to a first end of the main tube that focuses a target image froman outward scene; (c) an ocular system coupled to the second end of themain tube, the main tube, objective system and ocular system beingconfigured to define at least a first focal plane, with a first reticleat the first focal plane that moves in relation to a turret adjustment;(d) a first beam combiner positioned between the objective assembly andthe first focal plane, wherein a photo sensor and light filter arecoupled to the beam combiner; and (e) a first active display and asecond active display for generating an image and directing the image tothe first beam combiner, wherein the generated image and the targetimage are combined into the first focal plane.

27. A viewing optic comprising: (i) a main body with an optical systemfor generating images along a viewing optical axis of an outward sceneand a first beam combiner, wherein a photo sensor is coupled to the beamcombiner and (ii) a base coupled to the main body and having a firstactive display for generating images in front of a second beam combiner,a second active display perpendicular to the first active display,wherein the images from the first active display and the second activedisplay are combined in the second beam combiner, and directed toward areflective material for directing the generated images to the first beamcombiner for simultaneous overlaid viewing of the generated images andimages of the outward scene in a first focal plane of the opticalsystem.

28. A viewing optic comprising:

a main body having (i) a first optical system having an objective lenssystem that focuses a target image from an outward scene to a firstfocal plane, an erector lens system that inverts the target image, asecond focal plane, and (ii) a first beam combiner that is placedbetween the objective lens system and the first focal plane; and

a base that couples to the main body having a second optical system with(i) an active display that generates an image and a lens system thatcollects the light from the active display and a second active displayperpendicular to the first active display; (ii) a second beam combinerthat combines the images from the first active display and the secondactive display; (iii) a mirror that directs the combined images from theactive displays to the first beam combiner where the image from theactive displays and the target image from the objective lens system arecombined into the first focal plane and viewed simultaneously; andfurther wherein the base comprises a proximity sensor.

29. An viewing optic comprising a main body with an optical system forviewing an outward scene and a base that couples to a bottom portion ofthe main body, the base having a cavity with at least two activedisplays for generating images, wherein the generated images arecombined into an image of the outward scene in a first focal plane ofthe optical system, the base further comprising a proximity sensorlocated at the back of the base.

30. A viewing optic comprising: an optical system having a beam combinerbetween a first focal plane and an objective lens system, a turrettracking mechanism having material with varying degrees of opticalreflectance/absorption, an active display for generating an image,wherein the image is superimposed on the first focal plane; and acontroller coupled to the active display, the controller configured toselectively power one or more display elements to generate the image.

31. A viewing optic comprising:

a main body having (i) an optical system having an objective lens systemthat focuses a target image from an outward scene to a first focalplane, an erector lens system that inverts the target image, a secondfocal plane, and (ii) a turret tracking mechanism with material havingvarying degrees of optical reflectance/absorption; and

a base that couples to a bottom portion of the main body having a cavitywith a circuit board with a photosensor and an LED.

32. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs furthercomprising a base.

33. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs furthercomprising an integrated display system.

34. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs furthercomprising a base with an integrated display system.

35. The viewing optic of any of the preceding or following paragraphswherein the base couples to the main body of the viewing optic.

36. The viewing optic of any of the preceding or following paragraphswherein the base couples to the bottom side of the main body of theviewing optic.

37. The viewing optic of any of the preceding or following paragraphswherein the integrated display system is contained in a housing.

38. The viewing optic of any of the preceding or following paragraphswherein the housing couples to the top of the main body of the viewingoptic.

39. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theintegrated display system has an active display.

40. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theintegrated display system has an active display and a reflectivematerial.

41. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein theintegrated display system has an active display, a reflective material,and a collection optics system.

42. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thereflective material is located beneath the beam combiner.

43. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thereflective material is located above the beam combiner.

44. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thereflective material is parallel to the beam combiner.

45. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theactive display and the reflective material are parallel to the beamcombiner.

46. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thereflective material is located on the objective side of the viewingoptic.

47. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thereflective material is located on the ocular side of the viewing optic.

48. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein activedisplay is located on the objective side of the viewing optic.

49. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein activedisplay is located on the ocular side of the viewing optic.

50. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thesecond optical system is in a base coupled to the body of the viewingoptic.

51. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thebeam combiner is located between an objective assembly of the main bodyand a first focal plane positioned and spaced along the viewing opticalaxis.

52. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thebeam combiner is located approximately beneath an elevation knob of theviewing optic.

53. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thebeam combiner is located closer to an objective assembly as compared toan ocular assembly of the viewing optic.

54. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theintegrated display system comprises an angled mirror.

55. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein themirror is angled from about 40° to about 50°.

56. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein themirror is angled at about 45°.

57. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theintegrated display system comprises collector optics having an innerlens cell and an outer lens cell.

58. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein oneend of the base attaches near a magnification adjustment ring of themain body and the other end of the base attaches near the objectiveassembly of the main body.

59. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thebase is from 40% to 65% percent the length of the main body.

60. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs furthercomprising a focus cell.

61. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs furthercomprising a focus cell adjusted toward the objective side as comparedto the location of a traditional focus cell.

62. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs furthercomprising a beam combiner.

63. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs furthercomprising a beam combiner positioned where a traditional focus cell islocated.

64. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs furthercomprising a parallax adjustment assembly.

65. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs furthercomprising a connecting rod in the main body of the viewing optic.

66. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein theconnecting element is a rod or a shaft

67. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein theconnecting element is from about 5 mm to 50 mm in length.

68. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein theconnecting element is about 30 mm in length.

69. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein theparallax adjustment assembly comprises a rotatable element.

70. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein theparallax adjustment assembly comprises a knob.

71. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein theconnecting element couples the focus cell to the parallax adjustmentassembly.

72. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein one endof the connecting element is coupled to the focusing cell and the otherend of the connecting element is coupled to a cam pin of the parallaxadjustment assembly.

73. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs wherein theparallax adjustment assembly has a cam groove and a cam pin.

74. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated hereincomprising a lens system for collecting light from an active display.

75. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe lens system is composed of one or more lens cells.

76. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe lens system is composed of an inner lens cell and an outer lenscell.

77. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe lens system is composed of a 5 lens system.

78. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe lens system is composed of an inner lens cell having two lenses andan outer lens cell having three lenses.

79. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe lens system is a five lens system with the first lens located within2 mm of the active display.

80. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe lens system is composed of a five lens system and the first lens isan aspheric lens.

81. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe lens system is composed of an inner lens cell having at least onelens and an outer lens cell having at least one lens, and furthercomprising a mechanism to adjust the space between the at least one lensof the inner cell and the at least one lens of the outer cell.

82. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein furtherwherein one or more springs are located between the outer lens cell andthe inner lens cell.

83. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe lens system is composed of a single lens cell.

84. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe adjustment mechanism is a screw.

85. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe adjustment mechanism is a wedge.

86. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereina screw can be tightened against a surface of the inner lens cell toalign the vertical axis of the active display.

87. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereina screw can be tightened against a surface of the inner lens cell toadjust the active display active display.

88. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe power source is one or more batteries.

89. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinthe power source is one or more CR123 batteries.

90. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein furthercomprising one or more of a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, adigital compass and a laser rangefinder for providing location data tosaid computing device, said computing device responsively using some orall of said received data to calculate a ballistic solution.

91. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,wherein said computing device receives one or more of inertial data,location data, environmental sensor data and image data, said computingdevice responsively using some or all of said received data to calculatea ballistic solution.

92. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein whereinsaid viewing optic is adapted to communicate with a network as a networkelement (NE), said computing device propagating toward said network someor all of said received data.

93. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,wherein in response to first user interaction, said computing deviceenters a ranging mode in which target related information associatedwith a presently viewed aiming reticle is retrieved and stored in amemory.

94. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,wherein in response to a second user interaction, said computing deviceenters a reacquisition mode in which previously stored target relatedinformation is retrieved from memory and used to adapt reticle imageryto reacquire a target.

95. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,further comprising a rangefinder for determining a distance to targetand communicating the determined distance to said computing device, saidcomputing device responsively adapting said aiming reticle in responseto said determined distance.

96. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,wherein said rangefinder comprises one of a laser rangefinder and aparallax rangefinder.

97. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,wherein said laser rangefinder comprises a near infrared (NIR)rangefinder.

98. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,further comprising an imaging sensor adapted to detect image framesassociated with a bullet flight path and communicate said image framesto said computing device, said computing device operable to calculatebullet trajectory therefrom.

99. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,wherein said imaging sensor is adapted to detect emissions within aspectral region associated with a tracer round.

100. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,further comprising windage and elevation knobs adapted to communicaterespective user input to said computing device, said computing deviceresponsively adapting said aiming reticle in response to said userinput.

101. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,wherein in response to user interaction indicative of a specific, saidcomputing device enters an indirect fire targeting mode in which targetrelated information is retrieved from memory and used to adapt aimingreticle imagery to reacquire a target.

102. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,wherein in response to user interaction indicative of a secondaryammunition mode, said computing device responsively adapting said aimingreticle in response to ballistic characteristics associated with thesecondary ammunition.

103. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,wherein said environmental data comprises one or more of barometricpressure data, humidity data and temperature data, said computing deviceresponsively using some or all of said environmental data to calculatethe ballistic solution.

104. The viewing optic of any of the paragraphs enumerated herein,wherein in the case of an aiming reticle outside an optical scope fieldof view, said computing device utilizes inertial reference informationto generate for display a simulated aim point reference.

105. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theelectronic controller is configured to adjust the actual size of the setof marks in concert with changes in the optical magnification of thesighting device.

106. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theset of marks is a reticle.

107. The viewing optic of any, of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theset of marks includes numbers or letters.

108. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theintegrated display system is not located in the main body of the viewingoptic,

109. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theactive display is not disposed proximate the front focal plane of thesighting device.

110. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein: thefirst set of marks includes an aiming dot at an optical center of thefirst reticle and a circle, or an arc, or a horseshoe shape centered onan optical center; and the second set of marks includes multipleholdover aiming marks spaced apart below the optical center and multiplewindage aiming marks spaced apart to the left and right of the holdoveraiming marks.

111. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thefirst reticle pattern is a close quarter battle reticle.

112. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thesecond reticle pattern is a long distance reticle.

113. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein theset of multiple marks includes a plurality of marks and spaces therebetween, the marks and spaces subtending angles in an object spaceviewable through an eyepiece of the viewing optic; and the electroniccontroller is operable to adjust the actual size of the marks and spacesat the first focal plane such that all of the angles subtended in theobject space by the marks and the spaces remain unchanged throughout arange of adjustments in the optical magnification.

114. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein thesensor is a material with multiple degrees of opticalabsorption/reflectance coupled to a cam sleeve of the viewing optic.

115. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein abottom portion of the main body has a longitudinal split.

116. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein abottom portion of the main body has a longitudinal split forcommunicating with one or components of the base.

117. The viewing optic of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein abottom portion of the main body has a longitudinal split forcommunicating with a component of the integrated display system.

118. The viewing optic of any of the previous paragraphs, wherein theproximity sensor is in the base beneath an ocular assembly of the mainbody.

119. A viewing optic of any of previous paragraphs, wherein the reticlepattern adjusts based on the magnification setting.

120. A round counter system used with a viewing optic of any of thepreceding paragraphs.

121. A system comprising

-   -   (a) a firearm having magnetic sensors on the receiver;    -   (b) a round counter system coupled to the firearm and having a        magazine follower having one or more magnets inserted into a        magazine; wherein the magnetic sensors detect the magnetic field        as the magazine follower moves through the magazine; and further        wherein the height of the magazine correlates with a number of        rounds in the magazine; and    -   (c) viewing optic having an optical system configured to focus a        target image from an outward scene to a first focal plane;        wherein the active display projects the number of rounds in the        magazine into the first focal plane of the viewing optic.

122. A system comprising: a viewing optic having an optical systemconfigured to focus a target image from an outward scene to a firstfocal plane and an active display configured to generate a digitalimage, and a round counter configured to track ammunition status and tocommunicate ammunition status to the active display; wherein theammunition status is projected into the first focal plane of the viewingoptic.

123. A system comprising: a viewing optic having: (a) a main tube; (b)an objective system coupled to a first end of the main tube that focusesa target image from an outward scene; (c) an ocular system coupled tothe second end of the main tube, the main tube, objective system andocular system being configured to define at least a first focal plane;and (d) an active display configured to generate a digital image; and around counter system comprising a magazine follower having one or moremagnets inserted into a magazine and multiple magnetic sensors placed ona magwell, wherein an activated magnetic sensor corresponds to theposition of magazine follower, and a processor configured to correlatethe position of the magazine follower with ammunition status and tocommunicate with the active display, wherein the ammunition status isprojected into the first focal plane of the viewing optic.

124. A system comprising:

-   -   (a) a round counter system having a magazine follower with one        or more magnets, wherein as the magazine follower moves through        the magazine, the magnet is positioned in front of one or more        Hall-effect sensors on a circuit board;    -   (b) a processing unit configured to correlate the height of the        magazine follower with the number of rounds remaining in the        magazine; and    -   (c) a viewing optic having an optical system configured to focus        a target image from an outward scene to a first focal plane;        wherein the active display projects the number of rounds in the        magazine into the first focal plane of the viewing optic.

125. A system comprising

-   -   a round counter system having a magazine follower having one or        more magnets inserted into a magazine; wherein the magazine has        one or more ferrous wires configured to detect the magnetic        field as the magazine follower moves through the magazine and        one or more nodes configured to communicate with one or more        magnetic sensors; and further wherein the height of the magazine        follower correlates with a number of rounds in the magazine; and    -   a viewing optic having an optical system configured to focus a        target image from an outward scene to a first focal plane;        wherein the active display projects the number of rounds in the        magazine into the first focal plane of the viewing optic.

126. A system comprising:

-   -   (a) a round counter system having a magazine follower with one        or more magnets, and a magazine with one or more ferrous wires        configured to detect a magnetic field;    -   (b) a processing unit configured to correlate height of the        magazine follower based on activation of the ferrous wires with        the number of rounds in the magazine; and    -   (c) a viewing optic having an optical system configured to focus        a target image from an outward scene to a first focal plane;        wherein the active display projects the number of rounds in the        magazine into the first focal plane of the viewing optic.

127. A round counter comprising a magazine follower with one or moremagnets and a magazine.

128. The round counter of any of the preceding paragraphs comprising oneor more magnetic sensors.

129. The round counter of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein themagnetic sensors are located in a magazine well.

130. The round counter of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein themagnetic sensors are located on a receiver.

131. The round counter of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein themagnetic sensors are located in a remote control.

132. The round counter of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein themagnetic sensors are located in a remote control configured tocommunicate with a viewing optic having one or more active displays.

133. The round counter of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein themagazine has one or more nodes.

134. The round counter of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein themagazine has one or more nodes configured to communicate with a magneticsensor.

135. The round counter of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein themagnetic sensors are Hall-effect sensors.

136. A method comprising:

-   -   (a) moving a magazine follower with one or more magnets through        a magazine;    -   (b) activating a magnetic sensor when the magazine follower is        in proximity to the magnetic sensor;    -   (c) determining ammunition status based on the position of the        magazine follower as indicated by the activated magnetic sensor;    -   (d) communicating the ammunition status to an active display in        a viewing optic;    -   (e) generating a digital image of the ammunition status using        the active display; and    -   (f) projecting the digital image into the first focal plane of        the viewing optic.

While multiple embodiments of a viewing optic with an integrated displaysystem have been described in detail, it should be apparent thatmodifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to theabove description then, it is to be realized that the optimumdimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to includevariations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner ofoperation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious toone skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, theforegoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of theinvention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: (i) a viewing opticcomprising a main tube, an objective system coupled to a first end ofthe main tube and an ocular system coupled to a second end of the maintube, an erector lens system disposed between the objective system andthe ocular system, a first focal plane located between the objectivesystem and the erector lens system, and an active display configured togenerate a digital image, and (ii) a firearm having a round counterconfigured to track ammunition status and to communicate ammunitionstatus to the active display; wherein the ammunition status is projectedinto the first focal plane of the viewing optic, and further wherein theround counter comprises a magazine follower with one or more magnets. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the firearm comprises one or moremagnetic sensors.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or moremagnetic sensors are Hall-effect sensors configured to detect a magneticfield from the one or more magnets in the magazine follower.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the one or more Hall-effect sensors are in amagazine well.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or moreHall-effect sensors are on a receiver of the firearm.
 6. The system ofclaim 3, further comprising a processor to correlate position of themagnetic field with ammunition status.
 7. The system of claim 6, whereinthe ammunition status is number of rounds of ammunition in a magazine.8. A system comprising: (i) a viewing optic having: (a) a main tube; (b)an objective system coupled to a first end of the main tube that focusesa target image from an outward scene; (c) an ocular system coupled tothe second end of the main tube, (d) an erector lens system locatedbetween the objective system and the ocular system, (e) a first focalplane located between the objective system and the erector lens system;and (f) an active display configured to generate a digital image; and(ii) a firearm having a round counter comprising a magazine followerhaving one or more magnets, and configured to be inserted into amagazine and multiple magnetic sensors placed on a magazine well,wherein an activated magnetic sensor corresponds to a position of themagazine follower, which correlates with ammunition status, wherein theammunition status is projected into the first focal plane of the viewingoptic.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the magnetic sensors areHall-effect sensors.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the magneticsensors on the magazine well are located in a remote control configuredto communicate with the viewing optic.
 11. The system of claim 8,wherein the ammunition status indicates number of rounds of ammunitionin the magazine or indicates a round of ammunition in a chamber of thefirearm or indicates a round of ammunition in the magazine or an emptychamber of the firearm.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein theammunition status is the number of rounds of ammunition remaining in themagazine.
 13. A method comprising: (a) moving a magazine follower withone or more magnets through a magazine; (b) activating a magnetic sensorwhen the magazine follower is in proximity to said magnetic sensor; (c)determining ammunition status based on position of the magazine followeras indicated by an activated magnetic sensor; (d) communicating theammunition status to an active display in a viewing optic, wherein theviewing optic has an objective system coupled to a first end of a maintube and an ocular system coupled to a second end of the main tube, anerector lens system disposed between the objective system and the ocularsystem, and a first focal plane located between the objective system andthe erector lens system; (e) generating a digital image of theammunition status using the active display; and (f) projecting thedigital image into the first focal plane of the viewing optic.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the magnetic sensor is located in a magazinewell.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the magnetic sensor is locatedon a remote control configured to communicate with the viewing optic.16. The method of claim 13, wherein the magnetic sensor is a Hall-effectsensor.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the ammunition statusindicates number of rounds of ammunition in the magazine or indicates around of ammunition in a chamber of a firearm or indicates a round ofammunition in the magazine or an empty chamber of a firearm.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the ammunition status is the number ofrounds of ammunition in the magazine.